Auction Catalogue

7 December 2022

Starting at 10:00 AM

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Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

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Lot

№ 130

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7 December 2022

Hammer Price:
£1,200

An outstanding Second War Submariner’s Immediate D.S.M. and M.I.D. group of seven awarded to Petty Officer J. F. McIntyre, Royal Navy, for services as Torpedo Gunner’s Mate of H.M. Submarine Safari (formerly P211) on Mediterranean War Patrols; he was mentioned in October 1942 after her 4th patrol when 9 enemy ships were sunk, and awarded the D.S.M. after a further 6 patrols during which he ‘fired fifty one torpedoes, twenty five of which are believed to have hit the enemy’

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (JX.134955 J. F. Mcintyre. P.O.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, the campaign stars and medal all with privately impressed naming; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (JX.134955 J. F. Mcintyre. Ch Elec. H.M.S. Adamant.) small official correction to surname on the last, mounted for wearing, good very fine (7) £1,200-£1,600

D.S.M. London Gazette 6 July 1943:’For great daring, enterprise and skill in successful patrols in one of H.M. submarines.’

The original recommendation for an Immediate award states:

‘Petty Officer T.G.M. John Figg McIntyre, JX.134955, H.M. S/M Safari.
During six patrols since he was mentioned in despatches H.M. Submarine SAFARI has carried out ten torpedo attacks and fought fifteen gun actions during which she has sunk or wrecked nine steamships and eleven schooners, minesweepers and small craft. She has also damaged one steamer by torpedo hit and scored shell hits on two heavily armed German T.L.C. She has also carried out an important special operation. All the above operations, save one, have been carried out close, usually within two miles of the enemy coast and have involved frequent contact with enemy A/S craft, depth charging, bombing and fire from ship and shore guns.
As Torpedo Gunner’s Mate of the Submarine has fired fifty one torpedoes, twenty five of which are believed to have hit the enemy. He has shown outstanding coolness in action and when subjected to depth charging, whilst his unflagging zeal in the execution of his torpedo duties has largely contributed to the success of the submarine.’


The above recommendation was submitted to the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Station, alongside a recommendation for the Victoria Cross to Commander B. Bryant, D.S.O., D.S.C., R.N., from which these short extracts are taken:

‘In the course of ten Mediterranean patrols Commander Bryant has fought 22 gun actions and carried out 15 attacks, sinking 15 merchant ships and 15 schooners, minesweepers and small craft. He has also damaged 1 supply ship by torpedo, driven one supply ship ashore, damaged by gunfire, and scored hits on two heavily armed German T.L.C.’s... Commander Bryant is now the doyen of British submarine Commanding Officers, having served as such throughout the war; he has penetrated into the KATTEGAT as far as the Sound and Belts during the Norwegian campaign (further than any other submarine) and throughout the war has shown unflinching daring, sill and devotion to duty... I think the highest recommend that I can put forward for Commander Bryant is the universal opinion of his brother captains that he, by his actions, has earned the Victoria Cross on more than one occasion.’ This was all to no avail, however, as Bryant was duly gazetted with his 3rd D.S.O.

M.I.D. London Gazette 23 March 1943.

Seedies Roll confirms award for services in H.M. Submarine P211 (afterwards H.M.S/M. Safari) for ‘sinking 9 enemy ships in the Mediterranean from July to October 1942.’

Sold with copied recommendations and copies of the 8th, 9th and 10th Mediterranean Patrol Reports for H.M. Submarine Safari.