Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria. To coincide with the OMRS Convention

An ‘unescorted’ Russian Convoy D.S.M. awarded to Boatswain R. N. May, Mercantile Marine, S.S. Empire Galliard

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Mr. R. N. May, Boatswain) nearly extremely fine £600-700

D.S.M. London Gazette 28 September 1943: Boatswain Robert Nails May. ‘For great bravery and seamanship while carrying vital supplies in merchant ships.’

Awarded for the unescorted passage to North Russia of the S.S. Empire Galliard in November 1942. The Ministry of War Transport report on this ship’s voyage states:

‘This vessel sailed from Sunderland on the 22nd Sept. loaded with a cargo of War material. 8 Matilda Tanks on deck and 48 Bren Gun Carriers in cases on the hatches. On passage to Lock Ewe passing through the Pentland Firth vessel encountered very heavy weather which caused the cases of Nos. 4 and 5 hatches to shift. Vessel was ordered to the Clyde for cargo on hatches to be restowed. Sailed from the Clyde 9th October, and arrived Lock Ewe 11th October. Sailed from Lock Ewe 18th Oct. and arrived Iceland 22nd October.

Whilst at Iceland the whole of the ship’s crew were asked if they would volunteer to take the ship to Russia without escort. It was explained to them that escorts were not available at that time. All volunteered. It was then arranged that 5 American, 5 British, and 1 Russian vessel should sail at intervals of 12 hours. An American vessel sailed first and the Empire Galliard second. I understand that only one other British vessel reached Russia and three of the American vessels. On the passage, one enemy submarine was sighted being attacked by an Armed Trawler. No attack was made upon this vessel.

Arrived Molotovsk, White Sea 8th November. Completed discharge 25th November. Commenced loading on this date, and finished loading about 15,000 tons of general cargo on the 6th December. Sailed on this date for Murmansk to await convoy. Sailed from Murmansk 30th December, arriving Lock Ewe after a very rough passage 11th January. Sailed from Lock Ewe 12th January, and arrived Leith 14th January.’