A Great War Dover Patrol D.S.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant H. B. Conby, Royal Naval Reserve, who was killed by a mine explosion in the English Channel in June 1917

Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R., hallmarks for London 1916; 1914-15 Star (Lieut., R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Lieut., R.N.R.), surname spelt ‘Comby’ on the last two, extremely fine (4) £1000-1200

D.S.C. London Gazette 27 June 1917: ‘In recognition of services in vessels of the Auxiliary Patrol between 1 February and 31 December 1916.’

The recommendation states: ‘For the excellent services rendered by him at all times; he has been present with the Patrol in all the principal operations against the enemy.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 14 July 1916: ‘For services in vessels of the Auxiliary Patrol.’

Henry Brodie Conby was appointed a Sub. Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve in January 1915 and advanced to Lieutenant in March 1916. He was killed on 3 June 1917, when a mine exploded aboard his command, H.M. Drifter George V in the English Channel, off Dover, an incident referred to by Admiral Sir Reginald Bacon in The Dover Patrol 1915-17:

‘A sad loss was sustained by us in June 1917, when the drifter H.M. George V was sunk through the explosion of one of her own mines; Lieutenant H. B. Conby, R.N.R., A. E. Cook, skipper, and seven hands were killed and one man wounded. The case was clearly proved to be one of neglect to carry out regulations through over-confidence, which is always one of the great dangers of handling explosives. Lieutenant Conby was one of the smartest and most gallant and hard working officers in the Patrol. He had been previously recommended for the D.S.C. for his work in 1916; his widow subsequently received it. His loss was greatly deplored by the Patrol.’

Conby has no known grave and is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Sold with a quantity of original documentation, including M.I.D. certificate, with related Admiralty letter forwarding an original copy of the relevant London Gazette entry to the recipient’s widow; commission warrant for the rank of Sub. Lieutenant, R.N.R.; memorial scroll (cut down); a printed letter of condolence from the S.N.O., Drifter Patrol, Dover; and an old photograph of the relevant panel on the Chatham Naval Memorial.