Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War D.S.M. awarded to Leading Seaman A. E. Whittleton, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Gwenllian, for good work in discovering and sweeping a large minefield laid by E-boats off the Humber

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Ldg. Smn. A. E. Whittleton, LT/JX. 189941) very fine £600-700

D.S.M. London Gazette 6 June 1944: ‘For leadership, skill and devotion to duty in an important minesweeping operation. Leading Seaman Arthur Ernest Whittleton, LT/JX.189941 (Scarborough).’

The Honours and Awards Committee report states: ‘H.M. Ships were engaged in discovering and sweeping up a not inconsiderable minefield laid by E-boats off the Humber. The work was done speedily and there have been no casualties to shipping.’

Leading Seaman Whittleton was serving aboard H.M.S. Gwenllian and was recommended ‘for cheerfulness, efficiency and devotion to duty in these operations.’ The other ships of the Humber Minesweeping Force engaged in these operations were B.Y.M.S. 2211 and 2173, and H.M.S. Property, Loch Moidart, Prophet, Fezenta, Alafoss, Bracondene, Varanga, Rotherslade and Loch Eriboll.