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Auction: 23002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 86

A Second World War 'D.E.M.S. operations' D.S.M. group awarded to Acting Petty Officer G. W. Griffin, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Temp. A/PO G W Griffin C/J 52137); British War and Victory Medals (J52137 G H Griffin AB, RN), note initials; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, very fine (8)

D.S.M. London Gazette 6 June 1944. The original Recommendation taken from the recipient's service papers states:

'Recommended above (Griffin) for extension of leave for service in the SS Glaucus. During period of service his conduct has been exemplary, while ability and efficiency is of the highest order. Attitude, cool, courageous, devotion to duty under enemy action chiefly in Air attacks on 15/16th March,13th August and 21st November 1943. Recommended for periodic award, List A'.

Gerald Wilfred Griffin was born on 6 March 1899 at Watford, Hertfordshire and was a van driver by trade when he joined the Royal Navy in March 1916, being posted to Hawkins. He cruised in the Baltic, the North Sea and off the coast of Japan. Later taking part in the engagement in the Heligoland Bight in 1918.

Joining the Royal Fleet Reserve on 6 March 1929 he continued to serve up to the outbreak of the Second World War.

Also noted in his copied service papers is his service on Dotterel when she was attacked by German E-boats on 7 March 1941 and damaged by torpedoes. Eight crew were killed, and nineteen survivors rescued by Sheldrake, including Griffin. Dotterel was unable to be salvaged due to the extent of the damage received; sold together with copied service papers and a photograph of the recipient.


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Sold for
£1,100

Starting price
£1100