Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second World War D.S.M. group of six awarded to Chief Petty Officer W. Halliday, Royal Navy, who was also twice mentioned in despatches for services in the destroyer H.M.S. Punjabi

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (C.P.O. W. Halliday, D/J. 46662); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; U.S.S.R. 40th Anniversary Medal 1945-1985 extremely fine (6) £600-800

D.S.M. London Gazette 1 January 1946.

M.I.D. London Gazette 28 June 1940 (2nd Battle of Narvik) and 1 January 1942.

Wilfred Halliday commenced his wartime career aboard the destroyer H.M.S. Punjabi, in which ship, in mid-April 1940, he was present at the remarkable action that became known as the 2nd Battle of Narvik, when the battleship Warspite, with a force of six destroyers, accomplished the destruction of no less than seven enemy destroyers. For her own part, the Punjabi made two torpedo attacks - one of which found its mark - and actively engaged the enemy with her guns from the outset of the action. Inevitably, however, as the range closed and yet more enemy destroyers appeared on the scene, she came under heavy fire, quickly taking six direct hits that killed as many crew members and wounded another 16. The ship, too, was seriously damaged, and temporarily departed the scene of battle to effect emergency repairs and fight several fires. Among those who subsequently came to the notice of the Punjabi’s Captain was Chief Petty Officer Halliday, who was recommended in the following terms:

‘He showed a fine example and the greatest devotion to duty throughout the action in charge of the after supply and was indefatigable in ensuring that supply arrangements were maintained and in dealing with fires and flooding, largely on his own initiative.’

Duly mentioned in despatches, Halliday remained aboard the Punjabi until the end of 1941, and possibly longer, in which period she returned to the Norwegian scene, participated in the Bismarck action and in convoy work on the Arctic run. He was again mentioned in despatches in the New Year’s Honours of 1942. His subsequent award of the D.S.M., for services in H.M.S. Roebuck, almost certainly reflected that ship’s part in the operations off Sabang in 1944 and off Burma in the following year.

Sold with the recipient’s original Soviet 40th Anniversary Medal award certificate.