Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An interesting archive of original documentation relating to Commander R. A. M. Hennessy, M.V.O., D.S.C., Royal Navy, including ‘Confidential’ Reports of Proceedings aboard H.M.S. Comus, which ship he Commanded during the Korean War

a) Midshipman’s Journal, for the period 29 February 1932 to 12 October 1933, containing many watercolours, line drawings and maps, as well as a day to day account of his services aboard H.M.S. Revenge and H.M.S. Queen Elizabeth

b) Confidential Reports of Proceedings, H.M.S. Comus, 27 March 1950-19 January 1951, many of the pages marked ‘secret’, with fascinating detailed reports of actions during the Korean War, including an action in which H.M.S. Comus was severely damaged during an enemy air attack

c) Award certificate for M.V.O., 16 July 1953, signed by Queen Elizabeth II

d) M.I.D. certificates (3), 3 December 1940, 15 June 1943, 2 February 1951

e) A quantity of original photographs, many contained in a contemporary leather covered album, including a picture of Hennessy in H.M.S. Surprise’s Polo Team alongside Admiral Earl Mountbatten of Burma, generally good condition (lot) £300-500 £600-800

Ex D.N.W. 25 February 1998.

M.V.O. London Gazette 16 July 1953.

D.S.C. London Gazette 23 May 1952.

M.I.D. London Gazette 3 December 1940, 15 June 1943, 2 February 1951.

Robert Angus Martin Hennessy was born in Rye, Sussex in September 1914. Became a Naval Cadet in January 1932 and appointed a Midshipman in September 1932. Promoted to Sub-Lieutenant in October 1935 and Lieutenant in June 1938. In the 1930’s he served in the Mediterranean on the battleships Revenge and Queen Elizabeth, before joining Vernon for M.T.B’s. in May 1938. During the Second World War, commanding M.T.B.69, he was mentioned in despatches for the destruction of an enemy trawler in the Dover Straits, October 1940. Then commanding M.T.B.77 in the Mediterranean he was mentioned again for an attack on an enemy convoy, February 1943. He was advanced to Acting Lieutenant-Commander in November 1944 and confirmed in that rank in June 1946. Commanded the escort destroyer Lammerton, February 1945-early 1946. Promoted to Commander in December 1951. During the Korean War, he served on the destroyer Comus and was mentioned in despatches and awarded the D.S.C. As Commander of the frigate Suprise he was created an M.V.O. 4th Class at the Coronation Review 1943. With some copied research.