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Auction: 22103 - Orders, Decorations and Medals VII - e-Auction
Lot: 598

'Dear Mrs Toy.

I'm afraid that I have been over long in replying to your very sad letter. Please accept my deepest sympathy and my thanks for the photograph you enclosed of your son. I was deeply touched by it and will keep it with my records to the raid.
I have been informed that the principle damage we did on the enemy base of St. Nazaire is still under repair. I like to feel myself that our effort was a big contribution in the critical days in the Battle of the Atlantic. I believe too that the small action of ours, coming as it did during our darkest moments provided a spark of hope to our countrymen and an example and encouragement to our comrades in arms far more beneficial than any material destruction we may have caused to the enemy. I hope and believe tho that this action will be a source of inspiration to future generations of sailors. I would not write in this manner to any one else but I wish you to be intensely proud of the part which your son played and hope that this may help you in your sadness. This is for your husband also -
With Best Wishes to you both

Your Sincerely
R. E. D. Ryder

The tragic group of three attributed to Sub-Lieutenant (E) Arthur John Toy, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, who was killed while serving aboard the Motor Launches during the St Nazaire Raid

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine (3)

Arthur John Toy (or Toye) was born in 1914, the son of Thomas Arthur Toye of Booth, Lancashire. His father had served in the Royal Navy during the First World War, ending his career as a Chief Petty Officer aboard H.M.S. Courageous. Serving with the rank of Sub-Lieutenant with the Special Branch of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Toy was part of the squadron of light Motor Launches sent to support the Campbeltown during the raid.

A letter from Hilare Ryder, wife of Commander Ryder relating to Toy describes his position within the flotilla:

'I do so hope he hears something definite soon and I only wish we could be more help, the strain of waiting must be so terrible. Please give Mr Toy our very deepest sympathy.
My husband saw quite a lot of his son as he was Flotilla Engineer and took part in the discussion of plans before the raid. He admired and liked him so much; in fact he tells me he was one of the most capable engineers he has ever had to deal with and the greatest help to him.'

Despite the heavy losses and terrible casualties the Motor Launches suffered during the raid Toy's boat made it out of the harbour however according to a letter written by the boat's commander:

'The boat he was actually in got some distance down the river on the return journey but was then hit + set on fire by coastal batteries. However despite this Arthur tried to start up the engines again + it was then that the whole boat exploded.
There appears to be no doubt but that he was killed instantly.'

A correspondence with the British Red Cross eventually confirmed that Toy was dead. He is commemorated upon the Portsmouth Naval Memorial; sold together original letters from Commander Ryder, V.C., Hilare Ryder and Lieutenant Commander W. Stephens along with two letters between Mr Toy and the British Red Cross and a number of Naval photographs dating to the Great War as well as copied research including service papers for the recipient's father, Commonwealth War Graves details and a document from the Working Urban District Council congratulating the recipient's father on his work in Civil Defence.

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Sold for
£300

Starting price
£110