Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

A Second World War D.S.M. pair awarded to Petty Officer Walter Wilson, R.N., for services as a Gunner aboard the Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship Athel Viscount when attacked by a U-202 in March 1942

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (JX. 170751 W. Wilson, T-A/P.O. R.N.) in its case of issue; Imperial Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (Walter Wilson D.S.M.) together with original parchment Certificate of Service, and Admiralty invitation and Buckingham Palace ticket for investiture, extremely fine (2) £600-700

D.S.M. London Gazette 1 January 1943 - New Year Honours List. Probably for services as a DEMS Gunner aboard the Athel Viscount, when it was torpedoed by U-202 and damaged in the North Atlantic on 21 March 1942.

Walter Wilson was born at Riccall, Yorkshire, on 20 October 1897, and entered the Navy on 20 October 1915. For services during the Great War he is entitled to the 1914-15 Star trio and, having joined the Royal Fleet Reserve in 1927, subsequently received the R.F.R. L.S. & G.C. medal in July 1931. Discharged ‘Time expired’ in October 1937, he re-enrolled in November 1938 and served throughout the Second World War, for the most part aboard Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships. He was finally discharged in September 1946.