A Great War trawlerman’s D.S.M. awarded to Trimmer G. O. Pickess, Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.T. Bombardier, for the destruction of a German U-boat in May 1918

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (TS.3646. G. O. Pickess, Trim. R.N.R. “Bombardier” North Sea. 31. May. 1918.) good very fine £500-£700

D.S.M. London Gazette 29 November 1918: ‘For services in action with enemy submarines.’ The recommendation states:

‘Pickess, George Owen. H.M.T. Bombardier Action with enemy submarine 31 May 1918. This rating is, in my opinion, the bedt Hydrophone Operator at this base. He gave great assistance during the operations lasting for 29 hours against an enemy submarine which was eventually destroyed on 31 May 1918.’

The Armed Trawler Bombardier took part in the destruction of a German U-boat in the North Sea on 31 May 1918. There is some confusion as to whether it was the UC-49 or the UC-75, both of which were sunk this same day. The Merchant Navy by Hurd credits Bombardier with the former boat, whilst Keble Chatterton in Beating the U-Boats credits her with the latter. Sold with extracts from both narratives.