A Second War ‘Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship’ B.E.M. group of five awarded to Gunner R. J. Gallagher, Royal Navy

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (A.B. Richard J. Gallagher. C/JX.188421. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45, good very fine (5) £400-£500

B.E.M. (Civil) London Gazette 28 April 1942:
‘The vessel was attacked by enemy aircraft. Preparedness of the guns crew, of which Gallagher was in charge, and the accuracy of their fire, undoubtedly prevented the attack from assuming a more serious nature. The enemy was probably damaged.’

The original Recommendation, dated 6 March 1942, gives further details: ‘Richard John Gallagher was serving in the S.S. Bondicar on 23 June 1941 when that vessel was attacked by enemy aircraft. The defensive armament was used with good effect and damage was probably inflicted on the enemy. Preparedness of the guns crew, of which Gallagher was in charge, and the accuracy of their fire, undoubtedly prevented the attack from assuming a more serious nature. The enemy was probably damaged. One year previously Gallagher had been strongly recommended by the Master of his ship for his conduct under fire and the training of his gun’s crew.’

Richard John Gallagher was born in Greenwich, on 8 August 1900 and joined the Royal Navy as Ordinary Seaman in H.M.S. Pembroke I on 12 August 1918. He subsequently joined H.M.S. Dragon on 2 August 1919 and was promoted Able Seaman aboard this ship on 7 May 1921. Discharged on reduction of the service on 5 November 1922, he subsequently Gallagher joined the Merchant Navy, and served during the Second World War in the Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship S.S. Bondicar as an Acting Able Seaman (Seaman Gunner) from 18 May 1940.

Gallagher was first Recommended for an award by the Master of the Bondicar on 27 June 1940:
‘This rating has been indefatigable in his efforts to train an efficient gun crew from ship’s personnel. His efforts have been successful and reflect credit upon him. Gun drill with 12 pounder, Lewis Gun and Rifle has been carried out for 2 hours daily. Highly efficient in action (against) aircraft at Tyne 26 June 1940.’

On 23 June 1941 the Bondicar was again attacked by enemy aircraft, the Master reporting in his service record: ‘Guns opened fire, plane appeared to be falling, crew behaved very good’, and it was for these services that he was awarded the B.E.M., his award being presented to him by H.M. The King at Buckingham Palace on 21 July 1942. He was discharged from the Royal Navy on 1 November 1944, and died in London in 1966.

Sold with a D.E.M.S. embroidered patch; and copied research.