Exceptional Naval and Polar Awards from the Collection of RC Witte

The M.V.O., Great War D.S.C. and Bar group of five awarded to Lieutenant-Commander D. P. J. Enright, Royal Navy, who was decorated for his command of torpedo boat No. 91 in the Mediterranean 1914-18 - which period included at least two encounters with U-Boats - and for his subsequent deeds in Russia in 1919, when, as a member of the Archangel River Flotilla, he distinguished himself under fire and assisted in demolition duties

The Royal Victorian Order, M.V.O., Member’s 5th Class breast badge, silver, gilt and enamel centre, the reverse officially numbered ‘530’; Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, hallmarks for London 1918; 1914-15 Star (Gnr. D. P. J. Enright, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Ch. Gnr. D. P. J. Enright, R.N.), mounted as worn, very fine and better (5) £4000-5000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Exceptional Naval and Polar Awards from the Collection of RC Witte.

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M.V.O. London Gazette 11 July 1922.

D.S.C. London Gazette 20 September 1918:
‘For services on the Mediterranean Station between 1 January and 30 June 1918.’

The original recommendation states:
‘For conspicuous good services during four years in command of H.M. T.B. No. 91, especially on the occasions of attacks on enemy submarines in August 1915 and October 1916, and in the salvage of the French transport Abda, when he took off 800 troops in bad weather.’

Bar to D.S.C. London Gazette 22 January 1920:
‘For services in Russia, 1919.’

The original recommendation states:
‘He has been Chief Gunner of the Flotilla and has displayed marked qualities of enterprise and resource, notably on 10 August 1919, when he repeatedly brought up ammunition while the ships were engaged and their firing was of such vital importance that they could not go back themselves to replenish. Subsequently, he took charge of the Naval Demolition Parties which blew up the bridges in the wake of the rear-guard’s covering the evacuation.’

Daniel Patrick Joseph Enright served as Chief Gunner and C.O. of torpedo boat No. 91 from the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914 through until October 1918, the whole as a member of the Local Defence Flotilla at Gibraltar. As cited above, too, it was a period of command that witnessed him carrying out at least two attacks on U-Boats, namely in August 1915 and in October 1916. He was awarded the D.S.C.

Having then served briefly in the Sorbita at the War’s end, he removed to the cruiser Fox in March 1919, in which ship he was embarked for the White Sea, further active service ensuing as Chief Gunner in the Archangel River Flotilla, and in particular in the action on the North Dvina in August of that year. Later in the same month, he was in a small party sent from Seltzo to Puchega to lay mines to hinder the Bolshevik advance, an operation in which he took personal charge in the preparation of the minelaying boats; see G. R. Singleton-Gates’ Bolos & Barishynas for further details.

Awarded his M.V.O. for services in the battleship Renown during the Prince of Wales’ visit to India and Japan 1921-22, Pounds was placed on the Retired List in the rank of Lieutenant-Commander. Recalled in the 1939-45 War, he served at the training establishment St. George on the Isle of Man.