Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second War Submarine D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Stoker Petty Officer G. J. J. du Preez, H.M. Submarines Talisman and Templar

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Ldg. Sto., D/KX.94935); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Italy Star; War Medal, with M.I.D. oak leaf, together with official letter notifying award of D.S.M., pitting from stars, otherwise very fine and better (7) £1000-1200

D.S.M. London Gazette 18 April 1944: ‘For gallantry, skill and devotion to duty in successful patrols in H.M. Submarines.’ The official letter accompanying this immediate award states ‘...for courage and coolness shown while in charge of the diving machinery of His Majesty’s submarine Templar in successful War Patrols in Far Eastern waters.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 12 May 1942: ‘For bravery and skill in successful patrols in H.M. Submarines.’ The official recommendation states ‘For devotion to duty in the face of the enemy on the night of Monday 8th December 1941, during an action with an enemy destroyer mistaken for a submarine, he was most efficient as No. 2 at the Bren Gun keeping the gun supplied, this materially assisted Able Seaman Morse who is recommended for award of a decoration. In addition his manner and bearing during six depth charge attacks has inspired confidence around him.’

Able Seaman Morse, mentioned above, received the D.S.M. and his citation adds further light on the situation ‘...during an action with an enemy destroyer mistaken for a submarine he maintained a well directed fire from his Bren Gun on the enemy’s bridge personnel. On identifying the enemy as a destroyer attempting to ram when about 70 yards away he continued to fire until the last possible minute thus preventing the enemy from returning Talisman’s fire and enabling the bridge personnel and gun’s crew to get below.’

Gert Johannes Jurgens du Preez was a South African who joined the submarine service at Alexandria on 13 July 1941. He was immediately posted to H.M.S/M. Talisman, under the command of Lt.-Cdr. M. Willmott, and left on his first patrol on 21 August 1941. Talisman carried out a series of five war patrols from Alexandria and, in addition to the action already noted, she sank three ships totalling 15,000 tons, two schooners by gun action, an escorted enemy supply ship of 15,000 tons, engaged in a gun action with an enemy U-boat scoring a hit on the conning tower, plus reconnaissance and special operations with the Scottish Commando. Lt.-Cdr. M. Willmott was awarded the D.S.O. following this commission.

Du Preez returned to the U.K. in Talisman and, after a course at Devonport, joined the newly-built Templar. He then travelled via the Mediterranean to the Far East where he remained until 1946. It was during these patrols, on 27 January 1944, that Templar encountered the 7,000 ton Japanese cruiser Kitagami and fired all eight bow tube torpedoes at long range despite the escort force of three destroyers and was rewarded with two hits. Templar also torpedoed a 3,000 ton steamer but the usual targets were schooners with gunfire, in addition to special operations and mine-laying. Sold with a good amount of research including copy news cuttings and photographs.