Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second War D-Day ‘Operation Neptune’ D.S.M. awarded to Acting Temporary Corporal R. H. Davies, Royal Marines, for gallantry whilst serving as Coxswain of Landing Craft (Assault) 1139, part of L.C. Flotilla 541, on ‘King Gold beach’, 6 June 1944

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Mne. (A/Temp/Corpl) R. H. Davies, R.M., PLY/X.103785) mounted on original investiture pin in it case of issue, extremely fine £2,400-£2,800

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 - Marine (Acting Temporary Corporal) Richard Hubert Davies, R.M., PLY/X.103785 (Skewen, Glamorgan).’

Just 18 awards of the D.S.M. awarded to the Royal Marines in this London Gazette for the initial assault on D-Day.

The original recommendation states: ‘Coxswain of L.C.A. 1139, L.C. Flotilla 541, assault of Gold beaches during operation NEPTUNE, 6th June 1944. This N.C.O., who has shown the utmost keenness and leadership during the training period, displayed an example of coolness leading the 1st flight of L.A.A.s in to King Green beach under fire, and considerable skill and courage beaching successfully with his second load of troops, when partly submerged mined obstacles were clearly visible on all sides, and getting his craft safely back again through the belt of obstacles.’