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Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 240

(x) A Gallipoli 25-26 April 1915 D.S.M. pair awarded Petty Officer R. Fletcher, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (213297. R. Fletcher. Lg. Sean. H.M.S. Queen.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (213297. Robert Fletcher, P.O. H.M.S. Queen.), both with light contact marks and polishing, otherwise very fine (2)

D.S.M. London Gazette 16 August 1915. The recommendation in ADM137/1149/10 confirms 'H.M.S. Queen. For D.S.M. in connection with landing troops at Gallipoli 25-26 April 1915.'

Robert Fletcher was born at Sleaford, Lincolnshire on 20 August 1884 and was a farm labourer upon his enlistment into the Royal Navy on 24 January 1901 as a Boy 2nd Class. Promoted Leading Seaman on 1 May 1914, he served on Queen from 5 June 1914 and during his service on her made the rank of Chief Petty Officer. She formed part of the 5th Battle Squadron, and at the outbreak of the Great War served in the English Channel. After operations with the Dover Patrol, she served in the Dardanelles Campaign in support of the Allied landings at Gallipoli. She participated in the ANZAC landing on 25 April 1915 at Gaba Tepe and supported forces ashore over the course of the following month. In late May 1915, Queen was withdrawn to reinforce the Italian fleet at the southern end of the Adriatic Sea after Italy joined the war on the side of the Allies. In early 1917, she was converted into a depot ship to support the Otranto Barrage and was disarmed over the course of the year. Fletcher spent the entire Great War on Queen, taking his L.S. & G.C. on 12 September 1917 and left the grand old ship in May 1919. He was discharged on 19 August 1922.

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

Estimate
£600 to £800

Starting price
£480