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Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 321

(x) A fine M.B.E. group of seven awarded to Commissioned Engineer S. L. Leech, Royal Navy, who was mentioned in dispatches for keeping H.M.S. Vimy operational during her desperate ramming action against German U-Boats in February 1943

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.), Member's breast Badge; British War Medal 1914-19 (M.14957 S.L. Leech. B.Art. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted as worn, very fine (7)

M.B.E. London Gazette 11 June 1942.

M.I.D. London Gazette 18 May 1943. The original recommendation states:

'For outstanding resource and devotion to duty when ship was damaged in a night ramming action with U.162. Thanks to his organisation and taking charge, a clear picture of the state of affairs below was formed with the minimum of delay, and the ship able to proceed safely.'

Sydney Lewis Leech volunteered in July 1915, and was posted to H.M.S. Fisgard. He undertook repair work in the mechanical training establishment, but was unsuccessful in obtaining a transfer to a fighting ship. He served aboard Victory I from 31 July 1918. His British War Medal was sent to 16 Milton Park Avenue, Portsmouth. During the Second World War he served as Commissioned Engineer aboard the V-Class destroyer Vimy, which took part in Operation Dynamo. Despite being attacked by 20 Heinkel bombers on 28 May 1940, Vimy evacuated some 3,000 troops from the beaches of Dunkirk. Leech was awarded an M.B.E. for his services in June 1942. On 4 February 1943, Vimy was escorting Convoy S.C. 118 across the Atlantic when the convoy was attacked off Iceland by Pfeil and Haudegen U-boat groups. Vimy rammed and destroyed the U-boat U.187, incurring severe damage below the waterline. Leech took control of the situation and kept Vimy afloat. That same night, Vimy carried out depth charge attacks on another U-boat, U.262. Leech received a mention in dispatches for his role in this action. On 26 September 1949 he was placed on the Retired List; sold with copied research and service record.


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Sold for
£380

Starting price
£210