Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘Withdrawal from Greece’ D.S.C. group of six attributed to Lieutenant-Commander A. B. Heckstall-Smith, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, when as a Lieutenant in command of a Lighter he was wounded

Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., reverse with London hallmarks for 1941, officially dated ‘1941’, and additionally inscribed ‘Lieut. A. B. Heckstall-Smith R.N.V.R. Greece’; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf, the last five all privately named ‘Lt. Comdr. A. B. Heckstall-Smith D.S.C. R.N.V.R.’, mounted as worn, extremely fine (6) £700-£900

D.S.C. London Gazette 3 June 1941: ‘For gallantry and distinguished services in the withdrawal from the beaches of Greece under fire and in the face of great difficulties of many thousands of troops of the Allied Armies.’

Seedies Roll confirms award as Temporary Lieutenant, H.M.S. Stag, withdrawal from Greece and wounded when in command of an “A” Lighter.

M.I.D. London Gazette 3 September 1940: ‘For bravery, skill and enterprise in Minesweeping operations off the Coasts of Holland, Belgium and France. - Temporary Sub-Lieutenant, H.M.S. Badger [Harwich minesweeping base].’