A fine Second War ‘PQ18 - North Russian Convoys’ D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Leading Seaman G. E. Shepherd, Royal Naval Reserve, in recognition of 84 hours continuous duty as part of the guns crew of S.S. Empire Tristram, as she faced constant enemy aircraft and U-boat attacks through some of the most dangerous waters in the world

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (D/X10514B. G. E. Shepherd. L/Smn. R.N.R. Sept. 1942.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Burma Star, 1 clasp, Pacific; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Naval Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (X.10514B. G. E. Shepherd. Smn. R.N.R.) mounted for wear, edge bruise to last, generally very fine or better (7) £800-£1,000

D.S.M. London Gazette 16 February 1943:

‘For fortitude, seamanship and endurance in taking Merchantmen and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries to North Russia through heavy seas and in the face of many attacks by enemy aircraft and submarines.’

The Recommendation for the award was raised by the Master of the SS Empire Tristram to the Senior British Naval Officer Archangel:

‘Leading Seaman G. E. Shepherd. 3rd time in a North Russia Convoy. 84 hours on continuous duty giving encouragement and inspiration to the rest of the guns crew.’

George Edward Shepherd served during the Second War with the (Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship) S.S. Empire Tristram. He was present with her on several North Russia convoys, including PQ18 - during which he displayed gallantry for which he was awarded the D.S.M. The latter, which was to be the last of the North Russia convoys, consisted of 40 merchant ships, 2 oilers, 2 anti-aircraft ships and a rescue ship. The Royal Navy escort comprised 34 warships headed by H.M.S. Scylla. The convoy came under relentless air and U-boat attack from 12th to 18th September 1942, resulting in the loss of 13 merchant ships sunk and many badly damaged. It is estimated that three U-boats were destroyed, and 40 German aircraft were shot down so intense was the fighting.

Note: The above group was offered for sale at Bosleys in March 2016. Another D.S.M. group of four was offered for sale at Bonhams in March 2014. The D.S.M. was listed as impressed ‘X.10514B. G.E.Shepherd. T/A.L.Smn.’, and the campaign awards as privately impressed.