A Great War trawlerman’s D.S.M. awarded to Trimmer G. O. Pickess, Royal Naval Reserve, H.M.T. Bombardier, for the destruction of a German U-boat in May 1918

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (TS.3646 Trim. R.N.R. “Bombardier” North Sea. 31 May 1918) good very fine £350-450

D.S.M. London Gazette 29 November 1918: ‘For services in action with enemy submarines.’

The Armed Trawler Bombardier took part in the destruction of a German U-boat in the North Sea on 31 May 1918. There is some confusion as to whether it was the UC-49 or the UC-75, both of which were sunk this same day. The Merchant Navy by Hurd credits Bombardier with the former boat, whilst Keble Chatterton in Beating the U-Boats credits her with the latter. Sold with extracts from both narratives.