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

Eight: Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Temp. Ldg. Smn. R. Atkinson, P/SSX.22021) officially engraved naming; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Burma Star; Italy Star; War Medal; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (JX.715749 R. Atkinson, D.S.M. P.O. H.M.S. Victory) some pitting but generally very fine (8)

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 4 April 1944 ‘For undaunted courage, determination and endurance in H.M. Ships SIRIUS, PENELOPE, CARLISLE, AURORA, BELVOIR, HURWORTH, ECHO, FAULKNOR, PATHFINDER, PENN, FURY, BEAUFORT, JERVIS, HURSLEY, INTREPID, PETARD, ECLIPSE, ROCHWOOD, DILVERTON, CROOME, ALDENHAM, BLENCATHRA, the Polish ship KRAKOWIAK, the Green Ship ADRIAS and in light coastal forces in many sweeps against enemy shipping in the Aegean under fierce and constant attack from the air, and in maintaining supplies to the islands of Kos and Leros until they fell to superior enemy forces.’

Able Seaman Richard Atkinson served aboard the cruiser H.M.S. AURORA, a member of the 12th Cruiser Squadron operating in the Aegean in support of transports carrying troops and supplies to the islands of Leros and Samos until they fell to superior enemy forces. During the period 22-24 October 1943, allied shipping losses in support of these operations were heavy. The destroyers HURWORTH and ECLIPSE were lost in a mine barrage laid by the German minelayer DRACHE, and the Greek destroyer ADRIAS lost her bows. Heavy and sustained dive bomb attacks from nearby German airfields resulted in damage to the cruisers SIRIUS and AURORA and the destroyer BELVOIR. During these attacks 3 enemy aircraft were destroyed and a further 2 were damaged.

The following recommendation for Atkinson’s D.S.M. was extracted from Admiralty records:

“On 30 October 1943 a concerted attack by 13 JU87 dive bombers resulted in the ship (H.M.S. AURORA) being hit on the 4” gundeck with several near misses along the port side. The bombs caused heavy casualties and a large fire, resulting in continued explosions of 4” ammunition. Although severely shaken this Leading Hand of the Starboard No. 2 Gun rallied the remains of his crew and led them, first in making his gun workable, then in firefighting when ammunition was exploding and then in the removal of heated and dangerous ammunition. He then led a clearing party until dark and again from dawn until midday. He resumed these duties on the next morning following and finally cleared and secured the gundeck. His example of courage and endurance was reflected in the efforts of his party.”