Exceptional Naval and Polar Awards from the Collection of RC Witte

A rare Russia 1919 operations D.S.M. awarded to Able Seaman W. J. Thompson, Royal Navy, who was decorated for gallantry under fire in an Observation Post on the North Dvina

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (SS 5974 W. J. Thompson, A.B., “Fox”, Archangel. Aug.-Sept. 1919), slack suspension, edge bruising, polished and plated, good fine £800-1000

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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D.S.M. London Gazette 22 January 1920:

‘For services in Russia.’

The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous good service and coolness under fire in the advanced Naval Observation Position on the left bank of the River Dvina.’

William James Thompson was born in Co. Antrim in October 1896 and entered the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman in June 1915. Joining the cruiser H.M.S. Donegal two months later, he remained similarly employed until the War’s end, in which period he was advanced to Able Seaman.

Then in April 1919, he was embarked for Russia in the cruiser Fox, where, on arrival at Archangel, he was transferred to the books of the Borodino, flagship of the Senior Naval Officer, White Sea. Subsequently seeing action with Altham’s Flotilla in the North Dvina River operations in August-September, he was awarded his D.S.M. for the above cited deeds in a Naval Observation Position. G. R. Singleton-Gates’ Bolos & Barishynas states:

‘Naval Observation Positions were established on both banks, as near the front line as possible, and connected by telephone with the S.N.O.R. and Battalion H.Q. They were of the utmost value in keeping the flotilla informed of the position of our front line, enemy movements, and for spotting. They frequently came under very heavy fire on being located by the enemy.’

Thompson came ashore ‘time expired’ in June 1920, having latterly held the local rating of Leading Seaman in Russia; sold with copied service record.