A rare and outstanding Gallipoli Landings and Q-ships D.S.M. and Bar group of five awarded to Petty Officer G. R. Cracknell, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (J.1559 G. R. Cracknell, Lg. Sean. Gallipoli Opns. 1915-6) with Second Award Bar, the reverse officially dated ‘3rd January 1917’; 1914-15 Star (J.1559 L.S. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue (P.O. H.M.S. Royal Sovereign) contact marks and wear but generally nearly very fine (5) £2800-3200

D.S.M. London Gazette 15 May 1916: ‘In recognition of services rendered by Petty Officers and Men of the Eastern Mediterranean Squadron between the time of landing in the Gallipoli Peninsula in April, 1915, and the evacuation in December, 1915 - January, 1916.’

The recommendation states: ‘George R. Cracknell, Leading Seaman, H.M.S. Implacable. Performed meritorious service and displayed coolness under fire during the landing at “W” beach.’

H.M.S. Implacable was ‘the only ship that accompanied the boats in, and at the same time properly shelling the beaches, thus protecting the landing party by disorganizing the enemy in the trenches, and drawing the heavy rifle and machine gun fire on to the ship owing to its close proximity (about 500 yards... The Implacable and the 29th Division will go down to posterity for ever, for not only were the troops (2nd Battalion R. Fusiliers, and 500 others) landed without a casualty, but the ship owing to her position was practically the heavy battery of the expedition for the first fortnight.’

Bar to D.S.M. London Gazette 23 March 1917: ‘The following award has been approved for a further act of gallantry.’ Awarded for the sinking of an enemy submarine by H.M.S. Q.12 on 3rd January 1917, south-west of Fastnet. The recommendation states: ‘I beg to bring to your notice Leading Seaman George Robert Cracknell, Gunlayer of the after 12 pounder. Taking into consideration the motion of the ship, the very small and unsteady platform and the indifferent light, I am of the opinion that his cool and correct estimation of the range after his first round, and his accuracy in Gun Laying is deserving of praise.’

It was further noted that ‘In view of the hazardous nature of “Q” Service and of the fact that both the Commander and the Gun Layer of the after gun made the utmost use of their opportunity, I concur in the proposal of the Vice-Admiral Queentsown for distribution of honours and suggest that he should be called upon to furnish the names of the Officers and men he recommends.’

Cracknell was still serving aboard Q.12, also known as Tulip, when she was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic by the German submarine U.62. The attack took place on 30th April 1917, and 80 of those on board took to the boats, being picked up by the British destroyer Mary Rose and landed at Queenstown. The commander was taken to Germany by the submarine as a prisoner of war. Sold with further research including copy service record and full action report for the Q.12 action.