Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War B.E.M. group of five awarded to Aircraftman 2nd Class Dennis Arthur Wellesley, 5th Earl Cowley, Viscount Dangan, Royal Air Force Coastal Command

British Empire Medal, G.VI.R. (Military) 1st issue (1282121 A.C.2 Cl. Dennis A. W. Viscount Dangan, R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals, mounted as worn, good very fine (5) £400-500

B.E.M. London Gazette 29 December 1942: ‘In August 1942, a refueller was being started up by two members of its crew, when there was a terrific explosion, and it burst into flames. There were four refuellers moored in pairs, bow to stern. One member of the crew was blown into the water and the other was killed. Aircraftman Wellesley rushed to the refuelling pier, dived into the water in which there are barracuda and alligators, swam to the two refuellers that were not alight and immediately commenced casting off. He had nearly completed his task when reinforcements arrived. They were inspired by his example and the two refuellers were got away safely from the conflagration. Aircraftman Wellesley displayed courage and steadfastness of a high standard.’

Dennis Arthur Wellesley, Viscout Dangan, was born on Christmas Day 1925, son of 4th Earl Cowley and his first wife May Picard. He was educated at Oratory School and served during the Second World War in R.A.F. Coastal Command (B.E.M.). He was called to the Bar, Lincoln’s Inn, in 1958, and was one of the Press Representatives to the first meeting of the United Nations at Westminster. He was for many years Managing Director and later Chairman of the City Prudential Building Society, and Legal Adviser & a Vice-President of the Fulham Conservative Association. He succeeded his father as 5th Earl Cowley in 1962, and retired as a practising member of the Bar in the same year. Earl Cowley died on 23 March 1968.