Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An unusual Second World War withdrawal from Crete operations D.S.M. awarded to Able Seaman C. H. Edgecombe, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (D/JX. 148881 C. H. Edgecombe, A.B.) extremely fine £1000-1200

D.S.M. London Gazette 8 January 1942. The original recommendation states:

‘While H.M.S. Widnes was beached at Kalevis after a bombing attack, the evacuation of Naval personnel from Suda Bay was ordered. Although he knew his chances of getting back to Suda in time were slim, Able Seaman Edgecombe returned to Kalevis in a lorry and brought back nine ratings who had been keeping watch over Widnes.’

The minesweeping sloop H.M.S. Widnes was badly damaged by bomb strikes from enemy aircraft in Suda Bay on the 15 and 20 May 1941.

Cyril Henry Edgecombe received his D.S.M. at a Buckingham Palace investiture held on 5 May 1942.