Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria. Including a superb collection of medals to the King’s German Legion, Police Medals from the Collection of John Tamplin and a small collection of medals to the Irish Guards

An Arctic Convoy D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Chief Petty Officer R. J. Butler, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Beverley

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (R. J. Butler C.P.O.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence & War Medals; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (J.101900 C.P.O., H.M.S. Bayntun) generally good very fine (7) £600-800

D.S.M. London Gazette 25 August 1942: Chief Petty Officer Reginald John Butler, H.M.S. Beverlay. ‘For distinguished services in H.M. Ships ... Beverley... in taking convoys to and from Murmansk, through the dangers of ice and heavy seas and in the face of relentless attacks by enemy U-boats, aircraft, and surface forces.’

The recommendation states: ‘For good services and coolness while carrying out duties as Coxswain at the wheel during an action against enemy destroyers which attacked convoy QP.11.’

Sea escorts of convoy QP.11, including the destroyer Beverley, a Town-class ex-American ‘four-stacker’, on its return voyage from Murmansk, engaged three German destroyers of the Diether von Roeder class, at 1400 hrs on the 1st May, 1942. The action was broken off at 1700 hrs when the enemy made smoke and turned away. During this period the enemy were driven off the convoy five times. H.M.S. Beverley fired a total of 140 4-inch rounds in the action. Sold with copies of the action report and recommendations for awards, in which Butler is listed first in order of merit.