Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War D.S.M. group of four awarded to Able Seaman R. C. Such, Royal Navy, for services aboard the frigate H.M.S. Affleck, in which ship he witnessed the destruction of no fewer than four U-Boats, including U-392 in March 1944 which resulted in the award of his decoration

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (A.B. R. C. Such, P/JX.187683); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal, extremely fine (4) £1200-1400

D.S.M. London Gazette 15 August 1944: ‘Able Seaman Ralph Coyston Such (Croydon). For leadership, skill and determination in H.M. Ships Affleck, Brecon, and Forester and H.M. Canadian Ships St Laurent, Swansea and Owen Sound in operations against U-boats.’

The official recommendation states: ‘Working in co-operation with a Catalina aircraft and other forces H.M.S. Affleck made a good attack which probably destroyed a German submarine on 16th March 1944.

This operator has, during our previous two successes, shown a most admirable proficiency in the presence of the enemy. On this occasion he found, classified and held a genuine contact until relieved by the H.S.D. under the very difficult circumstances usually obtaining in the Straits of Gibraltar, with other Escort Vessels leaving their wakes in the vicinity of the enemy.’

In addition to the award of the D.S.M. to Able Seaman Such, the Commander, First Lieutenant, and two ratings from H.M.S. Affleck were mentioned in despatches.

Sold with a contemporary news cutting with small portrait of Able Seaman Such, titled ‘He Helped “Kill” U-Boats - Croydon sailor wins D.S.M.’ It goes on to state:

‘When Mr H. C. Such, of Burdett road, Croydon, was informed by a Croydon Times reporter that his 24-years-old son, Able Seaman Ralph Coyston Such, had been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for leadership, skill and determination in operations against U-boats, he was pleasantly surprised. His son had not spoken of his work while on leave. Able Seaman Such, who was educated at Tavistock School, Croydon, is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Such. He joined the Royal Navy in 1940 and was posted to the destroyer H.M.S. Janus, in which he served for three years. He has seen active service in South African waters and took part in the evacuation of Greece and Crete.

Early this year Able Seaman Such was transferred to the frigate H.M.S. Affleck, which has taken an active part in the anti-submarine campaign. In May this year, the frigate sank two U-boats in one night. When the frigate arrived at Belfast, the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Sir Basil Brooke, was there to congratulate the crew.’

During her World War II service Affleck figured in the destruction of four U-Boats; U-91 on 25 February 1944, in company with H.M. Ships Gore and Gould; U-358 on 1 March 1944, in company with Gore, Gould and Garlies; U-392 on 16 March 1944, in company with the long range escort vessel Vanoc and three U.S. Catalina flying boats from VP-63; and U-1191 on 25 June 1944, in company with H.M.S. Balfour.