Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Second War campaign group of five awarded to Petty Officer M. J. T. Fortune, Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve, who was M.I.D. for his services in the frigate H.M.C.S. Waskesiu whilst in operations against German U-Boats in the Atlantic

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, with overseas clasp; War Medal 1939-45, Canadian issue in silver, M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (P.O. M. J. T. Fortune V15166 R.C.N.V.R.) very fine (5) £300-£400

M.I.D. London Gazette 4 July 1944:

‘For courage, resolution and skill in H.M.S. Nene and H.M. Canadian Ships Calgary, Snowberry and Waskesiu in successful operations against U-Boats in the Atlantic.’

Martin John Terrence Fortune was a native of Prince Rupert, British Columbia. He served as Petty Officer with the frigate H.M.C.S. Waskesiu during the Second War. The latter was employed on Atlantic Convoy escort duty, and whilst escorting SC 153 she encountered and sank U-257, 24 February 1944. The Waskesiu was the first Royal Canadian Navy frigate to sink a U-Boat, and went on to take part in the D-Day operations.

Approximately 200 L.S. & G.C.’s issued to the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve.