The James Fox Collection of Naval Awards

A fine Second War ‘Dunkirk’ D.S.M. group of five awarded to Stoker First Class W. S. Grimmitt, Royal Navy, who in the destroyer H.M.S. Malcolm made eight trips to Dunkirk and, under incessant fire, brought away 6,400 troops

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (KX. 90969 W. S. Grimmitt, Sto. 1, H.M.S. Malcolm); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted for wear, light contact marks, generally very fine or better (5) £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 16 August 1940:
‘For good services in the withdrawal of the Allied Armies from the beaches of Dunkirk.’

William Stephen Grimmitt served during the Second World War in H.M.S. Malcolm, and distinguished himself during Operation Dynamo, the Dunkirk evacuation: during the period from 28 May to 4 June 1940, Malcolm undertook no fewer than eight trips to the beaches and Dunkirk pier, bringing away a total of 6,400 troops. Under incessant attack throughout these gallant forays, Malcolm was much battered by near misses but 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.

Full details Malcolm’s part in Operation Dynamo are recounted in the pages of Walter Lord's The Miracle of Dunkirk. One of Malcolm’s most noteworthy exploits was the rescue of soldiers embarked on the Clan MacAllister on 29 May, when she fought off countless attacks by Ju. 88s while passing over fire hoses to help fight the flames on the stricken merchantman - her hold laden with 4-inch ammunition. On a lighter note, another of Malcolm's officers played the bagpipes on the ship's foc'sle as some Cameron Highlanders were embarked, and on her final trip, made on the night of the 3-4 June to embark part of the French rear-guard which had been holding the Dunkirk perimeter, her officers sallied forth wearing their bow ties and monkey jackets. For their part in Operation Dynamo, H.M.S. Malcolm's skipper, Captain T. E. Halsey, R.N., was awarded the D.S.O., and the crew were collectively awarded 1 D.S.C., 8 D.S.M.s., and 12 M.I.D.s.

Sold with copied research.