A Great War O.B.E. group of five awarded to Engineer Lieutenant-Commander R. Driscoll, Royal Navy

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1917, with Garrard, London case of issue; 1914-15 Star (Ch. Art. Eng., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Eng. Lt., R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension (R. Driscoll, Ch. E.R.A., H.M.S. Cambridge) impressed naming, extremely fine (5) £320-360

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Ron Tuppen Collection of Naval Medals to Engine Room Officers.

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O.B.E. London Gazette 24 May 1919. ‘For valuable services as Engineer Officer at Ardrossan Auxiliary Patrol Base.’

Recommendation reads: ‘Was present in H.M.S. Triumph at the taking of Tsingtao (?) on the 7 November 1914. Proceeded to the Dardanelles in H.M.S. Ribble taking part in all actions with the ? and the landing of our armies at Anzac and Cape Helles on the 25 April 1915, remaining there until the evacuation of the Dardanelles. In March 1917 conducted valuable service in the raising of submarine A.10 which sank alongside H.M.S. Pactolus (?) and for which he received T.L. approbation. On the occasion of a fire occuring on M.L.498 on the 8 January 1918, he .... regardless of personal danger, boarded her and was instrumental in getting the fire under control. He has always conducted himself ... most commendable ... and its owing to his zeal and ability that the efficency of the .....’ (photocopy unclear in places).

Robert Driscoll was born in Falmouth, Cornwall on 25 December 1862. An Engine Smith by occupation, he entered the Royal Navy as an Acting Engine Room Artificer 4th Class on 30 March 1885. He was confirmed in his rank in October 1886 when on Indus. Promoted to E.R.A. 3rd Class in April 1888 when on Acorn; E.R.A. 2nd Class in April 1892 when on Swiftsure; Ch.E.R.A. 2nd Class in February 1897 when on Rainbow and Ch.E.R.A. 1st Class in February 1903 when at Vivid II. He was awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal in 1900. Promoted to Artificer Engineer in May 1903 and Engineer Lieutenant in May 1915. Awarded the O.B.E. for his wartime services with the Auxiliary Services based at Ardrossan.

With an original photograph of Driscoll, in civilian dress, wearing his medals. With copied service details, gazette extract and recommendation.