Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Chief Petty Officer W. Hill, D.S.M., Royal Navy

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (J.111594. W. Hill. P.O. H.M.S. Echo.) edge bruise to last, contact marks, good very fine (5) £140-£180

D.S.M. London Gazette 14 November 1944:
‘For gallantry, skill, determination, and undaunted devotion to duty during the landing of Allied Forces on the coast of Normandy.’

William Hill was born in Belfast on 16 February 1909, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 10 September 1924. He served in H.M.S. Hood from 29 August 1925, and was still serving in the mighty ship when he was advanced Able Seaman on 17 July 1928. Advanced Acting Petty Officer on 8 July 1940, he was confirmed in that rate on 8 July 1941, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 27 February 1942, whilst serving in the Destroyer H.M.S. Echo, one of the ships that supported Hood in the hunt for the Bismark. Transferring to the seaplane carrier H.M.S. Albatross, he served in that ship during the Normandy Landings, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, and was advanced Temporary Chief Petty Officer on 24 February 1946. He was finally pensioned on 21 June 1956, after 29 years’ service, and subsequently enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve on 14 November 1962.

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