A Second World War ‘withdrawal of troops from Le Havre’ D.S.M. group of five awarded to Boatswain Seymour White, Merchant Navy, for gallantry whilst serving in H.M. Rescue Tug Stalwart

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Boatswain. S. White.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; War Medal, extremely fine (5) £1800-2200

D.S.M. London Gazette 2 August 1940: ‘For courage and resource in the withdrawal of troops from the neighbourhood of Le Havre.’

The official recommendation taken from Operation Cycle report states:

‘S. E. White, Boatswain (T.124) H.M. Rescue Tug Stalwart. On June 10th after evacuating wounded from St Valery in 3 cutters went on board Wellington and assisted at forward guns. Next morning volunteered to take ship’s boats to Veules beach. Took off several boatloads to transport Duke of York and on last trip Duke of York got underway to avoid shell fire whilst boats alongside and whaler and dinghy were capsized. Mr White assisted several soldiers and Naval ratings to the upturned whaler, which was under shell fire. He then was taken on board a motor vessel where he assisted the E.R.A. to caulk a leak, and in the evening was once more on board Wellington helping with the forward guns.’