Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Attributed to Leading Aircraftman R. S. Diss, Royal Air Force

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, in named card box of issue, addressed to ‘R. S. Diss Esq., 21 Sherborn Court, Anerley, London, SE20’; Malta George Cross Fiftieth Anniversary Medal 1942-92, in card box of issue; together with a Greek Commemorative Medal for the Campaigns of 1940-41, bronze, in card box of issue, extremely fine (6) £80-120

M.I.D. London Gazette 17 March 1941.

Roy Samuel Diss served during the Second World War with No. 230 Squadron, Royal Air Force, and was part of the crew of a Sunderland that sank two Italian Submarines, the Argonauta and the Rubino, in the Mediterranean, on 28 and 29 June 1940:
‘The majority of alarms were due to birds or fish, but on 28 June, way off on the beam, was a sub travelling at periscope depth. We turned away to wind out the bomb racks and prepare for the attack. In the early marks of boat the loading and winding out of the racks was manual and our earlier practise paid off. As Armourer I had the responsibility for the bombs and all weapons on board and acted also as tail gunner. We turned to come out on to the sub from astern, which was oblivious to our presence. The attack was made with four 250lb A/S bombs which fell close enough to damage and disable; the second attack finished it off.
The following day we spotted a second sub on the surface. This time our preparation time was now much shorter and again from the stern. The bow turret was instructed to pour concentrated fire into the conning tower. No-one could be seen on watch on the submarine. The first four bombs dropped two on either side of the sub which promptly broke in half forward of the conning tower; the second four almost lifted the stern section out of the water. We stood off and wound in the bomb racks and as we circled, survivors were seen in the water. Bill Campbell calmly advised us over the intercom that he was landing to pick up our proof from the sea. Against normal practice I was to remain in the tail turret in case we were attacked. How we managed to land and take off in that swell I shall never know. Our message to Malta to lay on a P.O.W. escort caused confusion; we arrived with only three survivors, to be met so it seemed by most of the “Brass” of Malta!’ (the recipient’s account, taken from the History of No. 230 Squadron Royal Air Force).

Sold together with the recipient’s Mentioned in Despatches Certificate, dated 11 October, mounted in a glazed display frame; Air Council enclosure for the Second War awards; Certificate for the Greek Commemorative Medal named to R. Z. M. Diss, and dated 11 November 1996, with translation; No. 230 Squadron Association newsletter, Winter 2008; the recipient’s N. 230 Squadron lapel pin; and a portrait photograph of the recipient.