Auction Catalogue

4 December 2002

Starting at 12:00 PM

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Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Grand Connaught Rooms  61 - 65 Great Queen St  London  WC2B 5DA

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Lot

№ 1172

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4 December 2002

Hammer Price:
£580

A Second World War Coastal Forces D.S.M. group of six awarded to Leading Seaman J. T. Valentine, Royal Navy, an M.T.B. Coxswain

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Ldg. Smn. J. T. Valentine, P/SSX. 15167); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; Atlantic Star, clasp, France and Germany; War Medal 1939-45 nearly extremely fine (6) £600-800

D.S.M. London Gazette 1 August 1944.

‘For courage, skill and devotion to duty in many hazardous minelaying operations.’

Recommendation states:

‘A more conscientious rating would be hard to find. His endurance, particularly in bad weather, is first class. He has served in M.T.Bs for four years, and participated in many actions, first as S.T. but mainly as Coxswain. An extremely cool and courageous man, quiet and cheerful, for whom both Officers and crew have a very high regard.’

John Thomas Valentine, who was from Hartlepool, was decorated for services in the North Sea in M.T.B.
232 and received his D.S.M. at an investiture at Buckingham Palace in November 1944. Few men could boast of four years continuous service in M.T.Bs. On surface, therefore, long overdue recognition.