Auction Catalogue

7 December 2005

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Grand Connaught Rooms  61 - 65 Great Queen St  London  WC2B 5DA

Lot

№ 1252

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7 December 2005

Hammer Price:
£2,700

A fine Second World War Normandy landings D.S.M. awarded to Able Seaman (Pensioner) P. Lawton, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal
, G.VI.R. (A.B. P. Lawton, D./J. 53608), together with M.I.D. oak leaf, in case of issue, slightly bent suspension bar, one or two severe edge bruises, otherwise nearly extremely fine £1800-2200

D.S.M. London Gazette 14 November 1944:

‘For gallantry, skill, determination and undaunted devotion to duty during the landing of Allied Forces on the coast of Normandy.’

The original recommendation states:

‘While L.C.T.
593 was out of control on the beach, Lawton remained closed up at his gun for fourteen hours. He displayed excellent leadership while the craft was under fire and generally by his example, and kept up the morale of the ship’s company during their three days on the beach while repairs were effected.’

Mention in despatches
London Gazette 1 January 1944.

Peter Lawton, a native of Newlyn, Penzance, was serving in the 32nd L.CT. Flotilla at the time of the above related deeds, a component of Assault Group S.3 of Force S. Most probably, therefore, his L.C.T. landed on “Sword” beach, since Force S was charged with protecting the eastern flank of the British landings on D-Day. As it transpired, German inland batteries were able to maintain a heavy barrage on this beach area for several days, so Lawton’s three-day “stopover” must have been an unpleasant one. At length, Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay decided to abandon the area for the unloading of ships, fearful of heavy losses.

Lawton, who received his D.S.M. at an investiture held on 2 March 1945, had earlier won a “mention” for his services in H.M.S.
Hastings. A veteran of the Atlantic-run, the sloop Hastings was awarded the battle honour “Biscay 1943”, an honour that most certainly coincided with Lawton’s time in her.