Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War D.S.M. group of four awarded to Acting Chief Motor Mechanic J. H. Thompson, Royal Navy, who was decorated for gallantry while serving in light coastal craft in enemy waters, and was killed in action off the Dutch coast on 3 November 1943

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (MX. 98650 J. H. Thompson. A/Ch. Motor M.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, good very fine (4) £1,000-£1,400

D.S.M. London Gazette 21 December 1943 :
‘For skill and daring in a successful action in enemy coastal waters while serving in light coastal craft.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 25 May 1943:
‘For courage and endurance while serving in light coastal craft in an action with an enemy armed trawler, which resulted in its destruction.’

Joseph Howard Thompson was born in Sunderland in December 1921 and served in the Royal Navy. He was killed in action on 3 November 1943, aged 22, while serving on H.M. Motor Torpedo Boat 606, when she was lost by gunfire from German surface craft off the Dutch coast, and is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.