Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Dunkirk D.S.M., post-war B.E.M. group of six awarded to Chief Engine Room Artificer R. W. Atkinson, Royal Navy, who was decorated for his gallant deeds in the destroyer H.M.S. Malcolm during “Operation Dynamo”

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (MX. 47004 R. W. Atkinson, C.E.R.A. H.M.S. Malcolm); British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 2nd issue (C.E.R.A. Redvers W. Atkinson, D.S.M., C/MX. 47004); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R. (MX. 47004 R. W. Atkinson, C.E.R.A., H.M.S. Spartiate), mounted as worn, good very fine (6) £1600-1800

D.S.M. London Gazette 16 August 1940:

‘For good services in the withdrawal of the Allied Armies from the beaches of Dunkirk.’

B.E.M. London Gazette 9 June 1949.

Redvers Woodhead Atkinson was invested with his D.S.M. at Buckingham Palace in late April 1942 and was awarded the B.E.M. for his subsequent services at the Chatham shore establishment Pembroke in the late 1940s.

The destroyer H.M.S. Malcolm played a significant role in “Operation Dynamo”, undertaking no less than eight trips during the period 28 May - 4 June 1940, one of them to the beaches and the remainder to Dunkirk pier, as a consequence of which she brought home a total of 6,400 troops. She was considerably shaken and battered by numerous near misses but with just one day’s rest - on the orders of Vice-Admiral Ramsay - continued her daily trips to the stricken port: ‘The behaviour of the whole ship’s company was excellent both under fire and throughout the operation, during which they showed great powers of endurance.’

One of Malcolm’s most noteworthy exploits was the rescue of soldiers embarked on the Clan MacAllister on 29 May, when she fought off countless attacks by Ju. 88s while passing over fire hoses to help fight the flames on the stricken merchantman. For his own part, Atkinson had to contend with temperatures of 140-150 degrees in the engine room, owing to damaged steam pipes; sold with copied research.