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Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 184

A rare Combined Operations 'Fall of Crete' D.S.M. group of six awarded to Able Seaman H. F. Cook, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (P/J.114970 H. F. Cook. A.B.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R. (J.114970 H. F. Cook. H.M.S. Saunders), mounted as worn, good very fine (6)

D.S.M. London Gazette 8 January 1942, the original recommendation states:

'For outstanding gallantry, fortitude and resolution during the Battle of Crete.'

Herbert Frank Cook was born in Southampton on 1 February 1910 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in September 1925. Advanced to Able Seaman in August 1929, he was serving in the sloop H.M.S. Egret on the outbreak of hostilities. Having then come ashore to an appointment in Victory in January 1940, he was posted to the Combined Operations training establishment Saunders in the Middle East in January 1941 and remained likewise employed until September 1943. Located at Kabrit in Egypt, and re-commissioned as Stag in March 1941, the base served as a training centre for landing craft operations, as well being home to the Middle Eastern section of the Combined Operations Pilotage Parties.

It was for his services on the books of Stag that Cook was awarded his D.S.M. for Crete, which distinction he received at an investiture in May 1944. It appears he was seconded to the 7th Destroyer Flotilla to assist in the evacuation of troops from Suda Bay.

Cook removed to the Combined Operations base Copra in September 1943, where he remained employed until October 1944, and qualified as a Coxswain. Presented with his L.S. & G.C. Medal in February 1944, he ended the war with an appointment at R.N.A.S. Raven and was pensioned ashore in February 1950.

Sold with his original Certificate of Service and Gunnery History Sheet, together with his R.N. Certificate for Education (Part I), dated 7 July 1927, and assorted R.N. pension paperwork.

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Sold for
£1,500

Starting price
£800