Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War D.S.M. group of eight awarded to Petty Officer R. Atkinson, Royal Navy, for gallantry and good work following the bombing of H.M.S. Aurora in the Adriatic Sea by a force of 13 Ju.87s on 30 October 1943, in which 46 of the ship’s crew, including her Commander, were killed

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Temp. Ldg. Smn. R. Atkinson. P/SSX.22021); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Burma Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (JX.715749 R. Atkinson. D.S.M. P.O. H.M.S. Victory.) mounted court style as worn, light pitting, otherwise good very fine (8) £800-1000

D.S.M. London Gazette 4 April 1944.

The Recommendation, dated 8 November 1943, states: ‘During a concerted attack by 13 Ju.87 dive-bombers, H.M.S. Aurora was hit on the 4” gundeck, with several near misses along the port side. The bombs caused heavy casualties and a large fire, resulting in continued explosions of 4” ammunition. Severely shaken, Leading Seaman Atkinson rallied the remains of his crew and led them, first, in making his gun workable, then in firefighting when ammunition was exploding, and then in the removal of heated and dangerous ammunition. He then lead a clearing party until dark and again from dawn until mid-day. He resumed these duties on the next morning following and finally cleared and secured the gundeck. His example of courage and endurance was reflected in the efforts of his party.’

Richard Atkinson was awarded his D.S.M. for gallantry after H.M.S. Aurora, having sailed from Malta on 4 October 1943, was attacked by a formation of 13 Ju.87s in the Adriatic Sea, approximately one and a half miles off the Turkish coast, on 30 October 1943, when in company with H.M.S. Petard, Belvoir, and Beaufort. At 16:13 the enemy force, accompanied by 4 Me 109s, was sighted ahead at about 20 miles distance. Beaufighters escorting the ships made contact, but without results, and fire was opened on the Ju.87s when they were about 7 miles distant. The aircraft came in on the port beam and, in the subsequent dive-bombing attack, Aurora was struck by a bomb which was released from a height of between 1,000 and 2,000 feet, and was near-missed by several others. The escorts shot down one Ju.87 in the first attack, and four in the second, but casualties on the Aurora were severe, with 46 killed, including the Commander, and a further 20 wounded. She returned to Alexandria with H.M.S. Beaufort.