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

Four: Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (185088 J. J. M. Lawes, P.O., H.M.S. Talbot. German East Africa 1916); 1914-15 Star Trio (185088 J. J. M. Lawes, P.O.2/P.O.1, R.N.) mounted as worn, good very fine (4)

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 June 1917 ‘The following awards have been made.’

The following recommendation for the D.S.M. is taken from the report of Captain R. C. K. Lambert, D.S.O., Commanding Officer of H.M.S. TALBOT to the Commander-in-Chief, Cape Station, dated 26 September 1916: ‘I have the honour to bring to your notice the names of Officers and Men serving in this ship under my Command who are recommended for special good service during recent operations on the east coast of Africa including the bombardments of Tangra, Pegani, Bagamayo and Dar-es-Salaam, and the landing of 1,700 troops across the Pangani River in ships boats, the landings at Mikindan of some 2,000 troops, the embarkation of the same at Sudi and the landing and embarkation of the Naval Brigade at Lindi:

Petty Officer John J. M. Lawes, O.No.185,088, Coxwain of the Steam Cutter has handled his boat with great skill and judgement on all occasions, working either in shallow waters or in surf, frequently with boats full of troops in tow. In this work he has been ably assisted by Leading Stoker James W. Barton O.No.300,595 in charge of the engines and they together have kept the boat in a most efficient order, although fires were alight in her, and she was almost continuously running for four months.’