Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Second War ‘Norway 1940’ D.S.M. group of four awarded to Able Seaman J. Mc C. Smith, Royal Navy, for gallantry in attempting to save a life during an air-raid on Harstad

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (JX.138633 J. Mc C. Smith. A.B. H.M.S. Delight.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, nearly very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400

D.S.M. London Gazette 26 September 1940: ‘For services in Norway, April-June 1940 - Able Seaman James Mc Culloch Smith, H.M.S. Delight.’

The Admiralty recommendation states:

‘A.B. J. M. Smith, P/JX.138633, H.M.S. Delight.

John A. Smith, 2nd Class Steward, “Balteako”.

On the evening of Monday, May 20th, during an air-raid on HARSTAD, a splinter of a bomb killed the bowman of the DELIGHT’s motor boat which was alongside the “BALTEAKO” drawing provisions. Owing to being holed, the “BALTEAKO” proceeded to beach herself and the motor boat went adrift. Able Seaman Smith one of the DELIGHT’s provision party lowered himself by a rope into a skiff and followed by J. A. Smith, 2nd Class Steward of the “BALTEAKO”, managed to reach the motor boat before the skiff - also damaged - sank. The raid was still in progress and the attempt at rescue made against the advice of “BALTEAKO”’s Officers. The man they were attempting to assist was found to be dead.’