A rare and emotive Dunkirk ‘Little Ships’ D.S.M. awarded to Doctor B. A. Smith, Owner and Chargehand of the Motor Boat Constant Nymph

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (B. A. Smith, M. Boat Constant Nymph); 1939-45 Star; Defence & War Medals; Special Constabulary Medal, G.V.R., coinage head (Sergt. Basil A. Smith) mounted as worn, edge bruise to the last, otherwise extremely fine and very rare (4) £3000-4000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals Formed by The Late John Cooper.

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D.S.M. London Gazette 16 August 1940: ‘For good services in the withdrawal of the Allied Armies from the beaches at Dunkirk: Mr. Basil Arthur Smith, Motor Boat Constant Nymph.’ One of only two gallantry awards to civilian personnel of the ‘Little Ships’ at Dunkirk.

The following recommendation was extracted from the Admiralty files for Operation “Dynamo”: ‘Motor Boat Constant Nymph:- Chargehand B. A. Smith, Little Ship Club (Owner of Motor Boat). Chargehand Smith proceeded with a crew of 2 Naval Stokers who had never been to sea, in tow p.m. 30th May for the beaches. Took in a whaler and a cutter, and during the night ferried off about 800 men to 2 skoots, the Jutland and Laudania, who were thus filled up. Constant Nymph then collected a number of odd boats trying to row off to ships filled with soldiers, and collected them and towed them to offshore vessels. During this time fairly continuous bombing and shelling were encountered. Chargehand Smith remarks that being deaf and with a lot to do prevented him noticing these annoyances. Continued work until all fuel was exhausted, and the boat was sent to a supply drifter for repair and refuelling, Chargehand Smith being sent ordered back to Margate. This civilian showed great courage and disregard for danger, and undoubtedly performed gallant and meritorious service. Recommended for a decoration.’

The other recipient of a ‘Little Ships’ award for Dunkirk, also the D.S.M., was Mr. A. D. Divine, owner of the Motor Boat Little Ann, and well-known author of Dunkirk and other books on naval matters. The adventures of Constant Nymph are recorded in detail in his book Dunkirk, mostly in the words of Doctor Basil Smith himself. Relevant copies are sold with the medals.