Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Stoker Petty Officer G. E. Austin, Royal Navy, who was decorated for services in destroyer and torpedo boat flotillas during 1917

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (305759. G. E. Austin. Sto. P.O. H.M.S. Achates. 1917.); 1914-15 Star (305759, G. E. Austin, S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (305759 G. E. Austin. S.P.O. R.N.); Defence Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (305759. G. E. Austin. S.P.O. H.M.S. Colombo.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (George Austin), edge bruise to LS&GC, contact marks, polished,nearly very fine (7) £800-£1,200

D.S.M. London Gazette 5 March 1918:
‘For services in Destroyer and Torpedo Boat Flotillas during the period ending 31 December 1917’

The original Recommendation states: ‘ For exceptional gallantry under most dangerous circumstances on the occasion when H.M.S. Achates was rammed by H.M.S. Cornwall on 17 February 1917, the ram actually entering the foremost boiler and causing the stokehold to be flooded with water and oil fuel. He first shut off the boiler, saw the other men out and gallantly remained at his post until the water was up to his waist.' (ADM 116/1561/MS21 refers).

George Edward Austin was born on 20 September 1885 in Southampton, entering naval service on 25 January 1902 as a Stoker 2nd Class. On the outbreak of the Great War, he was serving as a Stoker Petty Officer, having been rated as such since October 1913, in H.M.S. Achates, in which ship he remained until 31 December 1918.

Achates served throughout the Great War, serving with the Grand Fleet in the early years of the war, and taking part in the Battle of Jutland in 1916. Later in the war she served as a convoy escort.

Austin’s service record carries the notation that he was ‘commended for services rendered on the occasion of [the] collision between Cornwall and Achates on 16/17 February 1917’. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 27 November 1919, and was shore pensioned on 24 January 1926.