Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Chief Petty Officer C. E. C. Averillo, Royal Navy, for services as Coxswain of H.M. Submarine Sturdy during war patrols in the East Indies and in the south west Pacific from June 1944 to February 1945

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (A/C.P.O. C. E. C. Averillo. C/JX. 135331); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Burma Star, 1 clasp, Pacific; War Medal 1939-45, mounted as worn, the last with traces of adhesive label to reverse, otherwise good very fine (5) £1,800-£2,200

D.S.M. London Gazette 24 July 1945: ‘For bravery, skill and determination shown whilst serving in H.M. Submarines in successful patrols in the Far East:- Acting Chief Petty Officer Cyril Edwin Charles Averillo, C/JX.135331.’

Seedies Roll gives one D.S.C. and one Bar, four D.S.Ms. and seven mentions for this submarine, all awards in the same gazette for ‘War Patrols in the East Indies and in the south west Pacific from June 1944 to February 1945.’ The only awards for this submarine.

The recommendation states: ‘Has shown coolness and cheerfulness whilst serving as Coxswain in H.M.S. “Sturdy” during 8 war patrols, and has shown skill and leadership during depth charge attacks. Has completed 24 war patrols during present hostilities.’

The group is accompanied by the original named Buckingham Palace transmission letter and a contemporary ‘copy’ citation which states:

‘The D.S.M. was awarded to the above named for bravery in the Pacific Ocean.

C.P.O. Averillo was on board a submarine which was bombed by Japanese aircraft. The aircraft was shot down and the Japanese pilot baled out and landed close to the submarine.

C.P.O. Averillo volunteered to dive in and rescue the pilot, who promptly produced a dagger and knifed him. The pilot was shot by an officer on board the submarine and the C.P.O. was rescued and awarded the medal for his brave conduct.’

Sold with copied War Patrol reports, several copied photographs of Sturdy, copied recommendation and Submarine Card.