Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.S.O. attributed to Chaplain to the Forces Third Class the Rev. C. F. J. Holmes, Army Chaplains’ Department, for his gallantry in picking up an unexploded shell and throwing it overboard when H.M. Transport Mercian, conveying the Lincolnshire Yeomanry in the Mediterranean off the Algerian coast, was attacked by an enemy submarine on 3 November 1915

Distinguished Service Order, G.V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, with integral top riband bar, in Garrard, London, case of issue, minor enamel damage to wreath and obverse centre slightly depressed, generally very fine £600-£800

D.S.O. London Gazette 6 September 1918:
‘For distinguished and gallant services rendered on the occasion of the destruction or damage by enemy action of Hospital Ships, Transports, and Storeships.’

The Rev. Cecil Frederick Joy Holmes was educated at Keble College, Oxford, and prior to the outbreak of the Great War held the living of a parish near Grantham, Lincolnshire. He served during the Great War as a Chaplain to the Forces, 3rd Class, and was with the Lincolnshire Yeomanry when their transport ship Mercian was attacked by an enemy submarine off the Algerian Coast on 3 November 1915, during which the Regiment suffered a total of 103 casualties. For his gallantry in picking up an unexploded shell which had fallen on the bridge of the vessel and throwing it overboard Holmes was awarded the D.S.O., and was also awarded the French Legion of Honour (London Gazette 17 August 1918). It is worth bearing in mind that similar acts of bravery have, previously, been rewarded with the award of the Victoria Cross.

Sold with a photographic image of the recipient, and copied newspaper cuttings relating to the incident.