The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 2)

Five: Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (268737 A. F. W. Hughes, C.E.R.A. 1Cl., H.M.S. Duke of Edinburgh. 31 May-1 June 1916); 1914-15 Star (268737 A. F. W. Hughes, C.E.R.A. 2, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (C.E.R.A. 1, R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (268737 A. F. W. Hughes, Ch. E.R.A. 2Cl., H.M.S. Diana) nearly extremely fine (5)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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D.S.M. London Gazette 15 September 1916 ‘The following awards have been approved in connection with the recommendations of the Commander in Chief for services rendered by Petty Officers and Men of the Grand Fleet in the action in the North Sea on 31 May-1 June 1916.’

The group is sold with an original ‘true extract’ from the Recommendation for Honours Submission No.16/12 of 7 July 1916, H.M.S. DUKE OF EDINBURGH:

‘Augustus F. W. Hughes, Chief Engine Room Artificer 1st Class, Official Number 268737. Recommended for the ability and energy with which he carried out his duties as Chief Engine Room Artificer in the Engine Room during the action on 31 May 1916. The very efficient working of the engines and the high speed obtained was largely due to the zealous manner in which he superintended the Machinery and Men under him. He is the Senior Chief Engine Room Artificer on board.’

The Armoured Cruiser H.M.S. DUKE OF EDINBURGH (Captain H. Blackett, R.N.) was the only surviving ship of the ill-fated First Cruiser Squadron which fought at the Battle of Jutland. The DEFENCE, Flagship of Rear Admiral Sir Robert Arbuthnot, WARRIOR and BLACK PRINCE, were all sunk in action with Vice Admiral Hipper’s Battle Cruisers and Rear Admiral Behncke’s Third Battle Squadron. The light armour of the Cruisers was no match for the 11 and 12 inch guns of the German ships who quickly found the range and repeatedly registered hits on the British ships. The DEFENCE and BLACK PRINCE blew up taking 91 Officers and 1,660 Men to their death. The WARRIOR, with over 100 killed and wounded was more fortunate and able to transfer most of her crew to the ENGADINE before sinking. During the latter part of the action the DUKE OF EDINBURGH’s Engine Room Staff worked the engines up to 22 knots, the same speed achieved on contractors 8-hour full power trials in 1905, some 11 years earlier.