Six: Able Seaman A. L. Gillings, South African Naval Force

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Burma Star, 1 clasp, Pacific; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, all officially named ‘67432 A. L. Gillings’, mounted as originally worn, ribands frayed, traces of verdigris, nearly very fine (6) £100-£140

Arthur Leonard Gillings was born in July 1916, and joined the South African Naval Force in July 1935, advancing to Able Seaman and being attached to the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve for service during the Second War. Gillings service included with H.M.S. Shropshire (heavy cruiser), May 1940 - June 1943, during which time she was employed on convoy escort duties between Cape Town-Durban-Mombassa and Aden. The Shropshire also took part in the Italian Somaliland campaign, and Gillings subsequently served with H.M.S. Newcastle (light cruiser) as part of the Eastern Fleet, September 1944 - July 1945.

Approximately 295 Pacific Clasps awarded to South African Forces, and approximately 1,932 Burma Stars awarded to South African Forces.