Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Second War ‘Invasion of Sicily’ D.S.M. awarded to Bombardier R. L. Gerrish, 6th Regiment, Maritime Royal Artillery, for ‘outstanding leadership and courage under heavy and sustained air-attacks during the landings at Sicily’ whilst serving aboard R.F.A. Ennerdale

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (1687318 Bmbr. R. L. Gerrish. 6th Regt. M.R.A.) officially impressed naming and mounted on original investiture pin, in its case of issue, extremely fine and rare £2,000-£2,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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D.S.M. London Gazette 11 January 1944:
‘For outstanding leadership and courage under heavy air-attacks during the landings at Sicily’ - Bombardier Raphael Leonard Gerrish, 1687318, Sixth Regiment, Maritime Royal Artillery.’
One of only two awards under this heading.

Raphael Leonard Gerrish was serving aboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ennerdale, a Dale class diesel oil tanker which was taken over by the Admiralty whilst building and completed as Fleet Supply Tanker/Landing Ship Gantry carrying 15 LCM's and with accommodation for 150 military personnel.