Orders, Decorations and Medals

An exceptional Second World War Immediate D.S.M. group of five awarded to Leading Seaman Charles W. Urry for gallantry when H.M. Submarine Shark was sunk by enemy action in circumstances that the Admiralty considered “can hardly be equalled in the history of submarines”

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (L.S. C. W. Urry, P/J.101583) engraved naming, in its case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal, these last three in their named card box of issue; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (A.B. H.M.S. Shark) together with Admiralty letter announcing the award of the D.S.M., photograph of the recipient on the conning tower of ‘Shark’, news cutting, two identity tags, Stalag IXC prisoner of war camp identity tag, P.O.W. camp Christmas Cards for 1941 and 1942, both addressed to his wife, and two others, extremely fine (5) £800-1000

D.S.M. London Gazette 21 August 1945. ‘For gallantry and devotion to duty in His Majesty’s Submarine SHARK on 6th July 1940 when she was forced to surface through damage sustained in an air attack and then attacked continuously from the air for over three hours, until, all ammunition having been expended, she was scuttled to prevent capture by the enemy.’

The following details are taken from the recommendations for Honours and Awards to personnel ex H.M. Submarine SHARK which was sunk by enemy action on 6th July 1940:

‘In heavy weather some 30 miles S.W. of Skudesness H.M. Submarine SHARK was surfaced to recharge her batteries nearly exhausted by the long dive during the drawn-out summer day. Half an hour later an enemy aircraft was sighted and the submarine was dived. The ensuing attack damaged one screw and the rudder, and caused a leak aft which eventually forced the submarine to surface. It was soon apparent that she could neither submerge nor steer a steady course and preparations were therefore made to fight it out whatever came along; aircraft being the expected opponents. All available H.E. ammunition was brought on deck, the 3” gun, Lewis gun and all available rifles brought up and kept ready for use.

At about midnight the expected attack began and for more than 3 hours the submarine was subjected to vicious attacks by sea-planes, bombers and fighters, culminating in 4 Me.109’s subjecting the personnel on bridge and casing to a devastating attack with cannon and machine gun fire which caused many casualties.

Despite fire below and rising water in the Engine Room, the ship’s company fought on and had the great satisfaction of seeing one aircraft retire from the fray in a badly damaged condition. Although realising that the situation was quite hopeless fire was maintained until all the ammunition was expended.

The gallantry and fortitude of this company in such bad conditions as were contended with during those hours..... can hardly be equalled in the history of submarines, and the attached recommendations are most wholeheartedly concurred in.

‘Leading Seaman Charles William Urry: Devotion to duty as a member of the gun’s crew. When the gunlayer went on to the bridge to man the Lewis gun, Urry took over the duties of gunlayer of the 3” gun and fired H.E. continuously throughout the night in an attempt to frighten the enemy aircraft.’

The surviving crew of the Shark spent the remainder of the war in captivity, Leading Seaman Urry being in Stalag IXC at Marlag. He was liberated on 2nd May, 1945, when the full story of Shark’s ordeal became apparent in the report compiled by her skipper, Lt-Cdr. P. N. Buckley. The resulting awards included the D.S.O. for the skipper, D.S.C’s for two officers, and six D.S.M’s.

See also Lot 439 for his fathers medals.