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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 411

(x) A rare Athens 1916 D.S.M. group of ten awarded to Warrant Officer Class I P. J. Strachan, Royal Marines Light Infantry, twice decorated by the French during the course of the Great War he was awarded his D.S.M. during the actions in Greece when landed from H.M.S. Duncan

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (Ch.6452. Cr. Sert. P. J. Strachan, R.M.L.I. H.M.S. Duncan. Athens. 1. Dec. 1916.); 1914 Star, clasp (Ch.6452. Col. Sergt. P. J. Strachan. R.M. Brigade.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (W.O.1. P. J. Strachan. R.M.L.I.); Defence Medal 1939-45 (Capt. P. J. Strachan. 2nd Moray. Bn. H.G. Seaforth Hdrs.), contemporarily engraved naming; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (Ch.6452 P. J. Strachan. Colr. Sergant. R.M.L.I.); Special Constabulary Long Service, G.V.R. (Percy J. Strachan.); France, Republic, Croix de Guerre, with Palme upon riband; France, Republic, Medaille Militaire, mounted as worn, minor official correction to surname on the first, second and fourth gilded, very fine (9)

D.S.M. London Gazette 23 March 1917. The original Recommendation (ADM137/546/167, refers) states:

'H.M.S. Duncan conflict between Allied Seamen and Greek troops at the Zappeion Athens, 1 December 1916. Displayed great coolness and gave Captain Palmer every assistance in rallying the men.'

French Croix de Guerre London Gazette 21 June 1918.

French Medaille Militaire London Gazette 23 March 1917.

Percy John Strachan was born at St Pancras, London on 30 June 1873 and was a Clerk upon his joining the Royal Marines on 31 October 1891. Issued with his L.S. & G.C. Medal on 12 February 1911, Strachan served with the Royal Marine Brigade at Dunkirk and Ostend in 1914 (1914 Star and clasp), with the rank of Colour-Sergeant, which he had been promoted to in May 1910.

Joining the books of the Duncan on 16 July 1915, this threw Strachan into the action at Athens in December 1916, when troops were landed in the vain attempt to coerce King Constantine to abdicate. Strachan particularly distinguished himself during the actions at the Zappeion, the large building next to the National Gardens of Athens in the heart of the city, in which the French Admiral du Fournet had established himself. The Marines came under fire from a Greek artillery battery on Arditos Hill, Strachan showing his worth in the actions which followed. With the Battle of Athens continuing into the afternoon, eventually the King called a ceasefire and gave up six field guns. The Allies had suffered 194 casualties, dead and wounded, and the Greeks lost 82, not counting civilians caught in the crossfire.

Strachan remained in the Service and was advanced Warrant Officer Class I by April 1918 (Medals issued from Royal Marines Officer roll). He was discharged ashore, aged 40, in May 1919 and died on 12 November 1950, having served in the 2nd Moray Battalion, Home Guard during the Second World War; sold together with British Legion 1914-18 leather Medal Holder and copied Service Record.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£2,600

Starting price
£1200