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Auction: 18001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 404

(x) The mounted group of twelve miniature dress medals worn by Admiral G. G. O. Gatacre, C.B.E., D.S.O., D.S.C., Royal Australian Navy

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.), Military Division, Commander's 2nd type badge; Distinguished Service Order, E.II.R.; Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., with Second Award Bar; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Australia Service Medal 1939-45; Korea 1950-53; U.N. Korea 1950-54; Coronation 1953, mounted as worn, good very fine, together with the recipient's uniform riband bar (12)


PROVENANCE:
Ex-Noble's, when sold with the recipient's full-size awards.

Galfrey George Ormond Gatacre was born in Cleveland, Queensland on 11 June 1907. He enjoyed a most distinguished career afloat. His D.S.C. and Bar were awarded in respect of the following deeds:

D.S.C. London Gazette 14 October 1941:

'For mastery, determination and skill in action against the German battleship Bismarck. This officer, serving in H.M.S. Rodney was with the Captain on the compass platform throughout the action and he handled the ship, under the Captain's instruction, with coolness and skill. His advice was on several occasions invaluable and his bearing under fire in every way admirable. By his accurate navigation and judicious selection for courses to steer he was largely responsible that H.M.S. Rodney was in such favourable position relative to Bismarck on the night of 26 May 1941.'

Bar to D.S.C. London Gazette 9 February 1943:

'For skill, resolution and coolness in H.M.A.S. Australia during operations in the Solomon Islands. During the period 16 July to 31 August 1942, when Task Force 44 was engaged in operations for the occupation of Guadalcanal and Tulagi, Commander Gatacre as Staff Officer (Operations) proved himself to be a staff officer of the highest order throughout the operations, during which many unusual and complicated situations arose. He displayed enterprise and skill combined with great stamina and capacity for work. He is quick in action and displays sound judgement and is considered to be quite outstanding.'

Gatacre subsequently added the D.S.O. to his accolades, 'for distinguished service in operations in Korean waters, whilst commanding H.M.A.S. Anzac' (London Gazette 1 June 1953, refers), in addition to the C.B.E. (London Gazette 1 January 1960, refers). He died in 1985; a detailed career biography may be accessed online via the Royal Australian Navy website:

http://www.navy.gov.au/biography/rear-admiral-galfrey-george-ormond-gatacre





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Sold for
£290