Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War Immediate D.S.M. awarded to Acting Leading Seaman B. Brammer, Royal Navy, H.S.D. Asdic operator in H.M. Submarine Unsparing during twelve Mediterranean war patrols in which great damage was inflicted upon enemy shipping

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (A/L.S. B. Brammer, D/JX. 176650) some marks, otherwise good very fine £1,000-£1,200

London Gazette 14 November, 1944: ‘For undaunted courage, skill and devotion to duty in successful patrols in H.M. Submarines Unsparing, and Unruly: Acting Leading Seaman Bernard Brammer.

The recommendation for an Immediate D.S.M. states:

Brief description of cation or operation - ‘Twelve war patrols in the Mediterranean in H.M. S/M UNSPARING between June 1943 and July 1955, which resulted in the destruction of 13 ships totalling 5,700 tons; severe damage to, or probable sinking of 8 ships totalling 4,260 tons, and the possible damaging of one ship of 4,000 tons.

Acting Leading Seaman Bernard Brammer (Sheffield, Yorks.) ‘For courage, skill and devotion to duty in H.M.S. UNSPARING in the above operations. As H.S.D. [Higher Submarine Detector] he has been responsible for the maintenance and correct running of the Asdics which have never failed. His cool and efficient conduct and his correct reports during attacks on escorted convoys and enemy counter-attacks, have given me great confidence in his work, and he has contributed a considerable share to the successes obtained by the ship in this commission.’

H.M. Submarine Unsparing (formerly P 55 but renamed at Churchill’s request) was commissioned in October 1942 and commanded by Lieutenant A. D. ‘Peter’ Piper, a very experienced submarine officer having already won three D.S.Cs. in H.M. Submarines Ursula and Unbeaten. Piper was the first Royal Naval Reserve officer to win the D.S.C. in the Second World War, and the first to be given command of a submarine. He commanded Unsparing for 14 war patrols, operating from Malta and Beirut. Many of his successes were in the Aegean. In October 1943 he sank a German troopship. The next morning he returned to find three large Dornier DO 24 flying boats on the scene, picking up survivors. “I can imagine the headlines,” Piper said. “Submarine torpedoes aircraft!” He resisted the temptation and sank an escort packed with troops instead. In April 1944, forewarned by Ultra, Piper lay in wait off the island of Kos, to stalk and sink a merchant ship, escorted by three destroyers and numerous aircraft. In June he annihilated another enemy convoy, scoring four hits with four torpedoes, sinking the German submarine chaser UJ-2106, a lighter and a ferry. For his services during these successful war patrols Piper added a well-deserved D.S.O. to his tally of honours, whilst his Lieutenant got a D.S.C. and six ratings received the D.S.M., including one Bar, these being the only decorations won by this submarine during the war.