Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Far East’ operations D.S.M. awarded to Temporary Leading Seaman C. F. James, H.M. Submarine Spiteful, for his services as Submarine Detector Operator during her 6 war patrols in Eastern waters; he enabled the submarine to be extricated from minefields on two occasions

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Temp. L.S. C. F. James, C/JX. 159338) mounted on original investiture pin, extremely fine

D.S.M. London Gazette 10 July 1945: ‘For gallantry, determination and skill in successful submarine patrols in the Far East.’

The recommendation states:

‘Charles Frederick James, Leading Seaman (Temp) C/JX.159338.
For skill, determination and devotion to duty as Submarine Detector Operator of H.M. Submarine “Spiteful” during her 6 war patrols in Eastern waters. This rating’s keenness and skill has enabled the submarine to be extricated from minefields on two occasions.’

The operation report states: ‘Since arriving in the Far East in April 1944, Spiteful has completed 6 patrols, 3 on the East Indies Station and 3 in the South West Pacific Area. In all the areas where this submarine has been operating, enemy traffic had been very scarce by previous submarine activity. During patrols on the East Indies Station, Spiteful carried out bombardments of shore installations at Port Blair (Andaman Islands) and at Christmas Island, and a large junk was sunk. Prisoners were brought back for interrogation.

While in the South West Pacific Area, Spiteful carried out patrols in the Sunda Strait area, in the Northern Makassar Strait and East of Singapore, operating in shallow waters where the submarine was particularly liable to aerial attack. In the Java Sea a 200 ton coaster was sunk and one Javanese volunteer brought back. Air-Sea rescue duties were also performed. These patrols lasted 34, 38 and 37 days demonstrating a keen efficiency and fine endurance which is particularly notable in view of the lack of targets in these narrow waters subject to enemy anti-submarine measures by air and surface craft.’

The gazette included one Bar to the D.S.C., two D.S.C’s, six D.S.M’s and four mentions, the only awards to this submarine. Leading Seaman James was presented with his award at an Investiture at Buckingham Palace on 16 October 1945.