The James Fox Collection of Naval Awards

An unusual Second War ‘Invasion of the South of France’, Operation Dragoon D.S.M. group of six awarded to Petty Officer Rigger J. J. Wright, Royal Navy, a Fleet Salvage crane driver from H.M.S. Byrsa who rescued two cranes under close range enemy mortar fire at Toulon Docks

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (P.O. Rigger J. J. Wright. C/JX. 583600) mounted on original investiture pin; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, extremely fine (6) £1,400-£1,800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The James Fox Collection of Naval Awards.

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D.S.M. London Gazette 27 March 1945:
‘For distinguished service and gallantry during the invasion of the South of France - Petty Officer John Joseph Wright, C/JX. 583600.’

The original recommendation states: ‘On 24 August 1944 in a narrow street approaching Toulon docks two mobile 15 ton cranes in Wright’s charge became the target of close range enemy mortar fire. One crane was immediately hit, but Wright first turned the undamaged crane and then in full view of the enemy ran back and turned the other and brought it to safety. His outstanding courage and coolness undoubtedly saved these valuable and irreplaceable pieces of equipment.’

Description of action on recommendation dated 6 December 1944:
‘Operation “Dragoon”. Moving up of advanced salvage parties and equipment from the landing beaches to points of Toulon and Marseilles.’

John Joseph Wright was a skilled mechanic who volunteered and joined the Royal Army Service Corps at Chatham on 25 October 1939, and was sent as a driver to Egypt on 12 November 1939, at Abbassie Barracks, Heliopolis. He was driver to Generals Wilson, Stone, O’Connor and Sir James Marshall Cornwall and served in Egypt, Corsica, Italy, Southern France, Belgium and Germany.

On 7 December 1942 he volunteered for the Royal Navy and was accepted. He was posted to the Royal Navy Fleet Salvage branch and was in a party of 30 Officers and men of H.M.S. Byrsa during the invasion of Southern France, holding the rank Petty Officer Rigger (crane driver).

There were two of these 15 ton vehicles, the other driven by his brother. After the landings they were held up by a German Fortress at St. Tropez and were under heavy mortar fire. His brother was in trouble with his crane, so he drove to him and let him drive his vehicle, whilst under fire he got the other one started. He picked up two men from the Salvage Fleet, who were sheltering from mortar shells, and took them to safety.

He finished his service on H.M.S. Lynx. After the war he lived at his home town of Strood, Rochester, and worked for some time at Chatham Dockyard.

Sold with some copied research.