Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1940 ‘Withdrawal from Dunkirk’ D.S.M. group of ten awarded to Chief Petty Officer (Pensioner) R. E. Lines, Royal Navy, for services aboard H.M.S. Malcolm which made eight trips to Dunkirk, seven of them to the pier, and brought home a total of about 6,400 troops

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (JX.142401 R. E. Lines. C.P.O. H.M.S. Malcolm) officially impressed naming; 1914-15 Star (J.14870, R. E. Lines. A.B. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.14870 R. E. Lines. P.O. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Burma Star, 1 clasp, Pacific; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (J.14870 R. E. Lines. P.O. H.M.S. Marlborough) mounted as worn, the Great War and L.S. & G.C. polished, good fine, otherwise good very fine (10) £1,200-£1,600

D.S.M. London Gazette 16 August 1940:
‘For good services in the withdrawal of the Allied Armies from the beaches at Dunkirk.’

The recommendation states: ‘H.M.S. Malcolm made 8 trips during the period 28th May - 4th June, one being to the beaches, the remainder to Dunkirk pier, and brought home a total of about 6,400 troops. Malcolm was considerably shaken by near misses of bombs and to have kept going to and from Dunkirk daily, except for one night and day when ordered by Vice Admiral Dover to take a much needed rest, reflects the greatest credit on all officers and men.
The behaviour of the whole ship’s company was excellent both under fire and throughout the operation during which they showed great powers of endurance. The following ratings are recommended for decoration:

Chief Petty Officer Rowland Evan Lines, C/JX.142401, Pen.11254 [together with three Petty Officers].

Note: These four Petty Officers displayed qualities of real leadership and the Commanding Officer considers that the excellent behaviour of the ship’s company is largely due to them.’

Rowland Evan Lines was born in Colchester, Essex, on 15 May 1894, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in H.M.S. Ganges II on 7 November 1911. On the outbreak of war in 1914, he was serving as an Able Seaman aboard H.M.S. Shannon and served in this ship throughout the war until 31 January 1919, by which time he had attained Petty Officer status. He was presented with his L.S. & G.C. on 3 July 1927, and advanced to Chief Petty Officer on 10 October 1928, and pensioned shortly afterwards.