Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Submarine Service’ D.S.M. awarded to Stoker Petty Officer G. Langley, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (K.22301. G. Langley, Sto. 1Cl. Submarine Service. 1918.) worn, fine £500-£600

D.S.M. London Gazette 21 June 1918.

For services in H.M. Submarine E45 in 1918. (Lt. Commander John A. Gains, the submarine commander’s D.S.O. recommendation states: ’11 minelaying operations have been carried out since 5 January 1918, many of considerable difficulty and danger.’)

Gilbert Langley was born in Winterbourne, Gloucestershire in May 1891. He was employed as a Colliery Ropeman prior to joining the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class in April 1914. After service at H.M.S. Dolphin, he served with the Submarine depot ship H.M.S. Maidstone. Having advanced to Stoker 1st Class, Langley served with H.M.S. E 45 after the Great War.

Langley advanced to Stoker Petty Officer and was ‘Pensioned’ in April 1936 (awarded L.S. & G.C. in July 1929).