Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War ‘withdrawal of troops from Le Havre’ D.S.M. group of nine awarded to Chief Petty Officer A. J. Gumbrill, Royal Navy, a member of the beach party at Veules, specially recommended for fine work in assisting the embarkation of troops

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (J. 19287 J. Gumbrill. C.P.O. R.N.); 1914-15 Star (J. 19287. A. J. Gumbrill. A.B. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J. 19287. A. J. Gumbrill. L.S. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue (J. 19287 A. J. Gumbrill P.O. H.M.S. Vernon) official correction to ship, together with related Marine Society reward of Merit, silver (Alfred J. Gumbrill 22 May 1918) the earlier awards polished, good fine, otherwise good very fine or better (10) £1400-1600

D.S.M. London Gazette 2 August 1940: ‘For courage and resource in the withdrawal of troops from the neighbourhood of Le Havre. Chief Petty Officer Alfred James Gumbrill, P/J.19287.’

The official recommendation taken from Operation Cycle report states:

‘The above [4 ratings] were all members of the beach party at Veules and are specially recommended for their fine work under fire in assisting the embarkation of troops.’

The recommendations for the awards for the Le Havre area, including 16 D.S.Ms., were made by Admiral Sir William James who, as a boy, was the model for the well known painting ‘Bubbles’ by Millais.

Sold with copied research including the report on Operation Cycle.