A Zeebrugge D.S.M. group of four awarded to Able Seaman T. H. Ripley, Royal Navy, a member of “B” Company of the Seaman Storming Party embarked in Vindictive, wounded during the raid and a participant in the ballot for the Victoria Cross

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (J.30094. T. H. Ripley, A.B., Nl. Bde. Zeebrugge-Ostend. 22-3 Apl. 1918) some minor official corrections to naming; 1914-15 Star (J.30094 Ord., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (A.B. R.N.) light contact marks, otherwise very fine (4) £1600-1800

D.S.M. London Gazette 23 July 1918: ‘For services during the operations against Zeebrugge and Ostend on the night of the 22nd-23rd April, 1918.’ Able Seaman Thomas Henry Ripley, Seaman Storming Party (‘B’ Company). Seven D.S.M.’s awarded to ‘B’ Company for Zeebrugge.

Lieutenant-Commander A. L. Harrison, supreme commander of Vindictive’s seaman storming parties, and Able Seaman A. E. McKenzie, of ‘B’ Company, were both awarded the Victoria Cross. All that remained of ‘B’ Company when the survivors mustered on the pier the following day were thirteen men unwounded out of fifty two. Able Seaman Ripley was amongst those who were wounded and he was subsequently discharged from the Navy in consequence of his gunshot wounds. His service record is stamped ‘Participated in ballot for V.C. granted for operations against Zeebrugge & Ostend, 22-23 April 1918. (London Gazette 23/7/18)’.