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Auction: 4014 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 125

A Well Documented 'Q-Ship' D.S.C. Group of Four to Lieutenant J.C. Jones, Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve a) Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R. (Hallmarks for London 1916), in case of issue b) 1914-15 Star (Lieut. J.C. Jones, R.N.V.R.), in named card box c) British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. J.C. Jones), in named card box, the group extremely fine d) A group of four associated miniature awards, mounted as worn e) Commission, Mr John Charles Jones, Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, 29.9.1914, with Seniority of 18.9.1914 f) Typed copies of Jones' Report to the Senior Naval Officer, Granton, dated 15.6.1917, the acknowledgement from the Admiralty 17.6.1917, and the instruction for attandence at the Investiture, Buckingham Palace, on 29.8.1917 g) Eight original photographs including crew of H.M.Trawler Fort George, and details of the damage done by enemy fire Estimate £ 1,200-1,400 D.S.C. London Gazette 11.8.1917, Lieutenant R.N.V.R. 'For service in action with enemy submarines.' Steam trawler 'Fort George' Granton, 15th June 1917 To the Senior Naval Officer, Granton Sir I have the honour to report that whilst fishing in a position approximately 35 miles East Magnetic from May Island at 10 p.m., G.M.T. on the 14th inst., I was attacked by a hostile submarine at a range of about 2000 yards. Trawler was lying with her head ENE. Wind was WSW, and darkness was rapidly closing in. The Trawler was stationary, the crew being engaged in repairing the net which was partly inboard and partly out, when the submarine opened fire on a bearing about 2 points off the port bow with 5 shots in rapid succession. The first shot passed over trawler and fell about 12 yards on her starboard beam. The second shot fell about 150-200 yards short in the same direction. The third shot was about 10 to 12 yards short, one point forward of the beam. The fourth shot burst in the funnel. The fifth shot struck the mizzen mast back stays block. After first shot the gun crews went to stations and after the third round, I gave the order "Action". Captain of the After 12-pdr. gun reported that he could not bring his gun to bear, so order was given for "full speed ahead- hard aport", but as fishing gear was still hanging over side, this order could not be carried out immediately, owing to danger of fouling propeller. The fishing crew secured the gear with commendable smartness and the Skipper, who by this time had been slightly wounded, jumped up into the wheel-house and gave effect to my orders. The 4th and 5th shots killed two men of the After 12-pdr. crew and wounded other two; Petty Officer Worsley being rather badly wounded. I then assisted to man and lay the after 12-pdr. with the Captain of the gun and Leading Seaman Ball, but by this time the submarine was no longer visible. The forward 6-pdr. gun had opened fire at the order. The first shot, according to evidence of 2 of the crew was a direct hit. The second round miss-fired and was thrown overboard. The third round was also observed by fishing crew, Skipper of Trawler and Leading Seaman Ball to strike submarine and a sheet of flame was observed immediately after this round but no shot was fired by submarine after first round of forward 6-pdr. A fourth round was fired but nothing happened, and submarine was not visible. The hydrophone had been used several times during the evening but nothing had been heard. No depth charge was dropped after the action, as my attention was fully occupied in attending to the killed and wounded lying around the gun and in giving orders for the safety of the ship, etc. Upon arrival at May Island, I transferred wounded to Zedwhale. The conduct of the guns' crews left nothing to be desired. The Captain of the after 12-pdr. gun, P.O. Worsley, brought his gun smartly into action, and insisted, although badly wounded, in standing by his gun for some considerable time after the action. Leading Seaman Ball is also deserving of praise for his conduct and exertions during the action. Leading Seaman J.Tait scored two hits and handled his gun very smartly and is deserving of much praise. I was also exceedingly pleased with the conduct of the fishing crew. The Skipper, Peter Seaton, although wounded in two places, went up into the wheelhouse and carried out my orders in a seaman-like manner. I also desire to specially mention conduct of the Mate Peter Thompson, Chief Engineer J. Elder, who remained below at engines during the action and deckhand E. Millington, who lent a hand at the 12-pdr. gun after the crew were all wounded. I respectfully beg to submit that after carefully reviewing all circumstances, I consider the submarine was undoubtedly hit twice but owing to darkness having fallen, it was impossible to estimate the extent. I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant J. Chas. Jones, Lieut. R.N.V.R (in Command) The Fort George GN77, alias Robina, was a Granton owned steam trawler of 180 tons. She carried one 12 pounder and one 6 pounder gun.

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£5,000