Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War submariners immediate D.S.M. group of nine awarded to Stoker Petty Officer A. D. Round, Royal Navy, for 12 war patrols carried out by H.M. S/M. Unsparing operating out of Malta and Beirut as part of the famous ‘Fighting Tenth’ Submarine Flotilla

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Sto. P.O. A. D. Round. D/KX. 82218); Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1936-1939 (D.KX. 82218 A. D. Round, Sto. 1 R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal; Coronation 1953; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (KX. 82218 A. D. Round, P.O. Sto. Mech. H.M.S. Scotsman) mounted as worn, with named certificate for Coronation medal, good very fine (9) £1600-1800

D.S.M. London Gazette 14 November 1944: ‘For undaunted courage, skill and devotion to duty in successful patrols in H.M’s. submarines Unsparing and Unruly.’

The recommendation for an immediate award states:

‘Stoker Petty Officer Arthur Denis Round (Barrow-in-Furness), H.M.S. Unsparing.

Twelve war patrols in the Mediterranean in H.M. S/M Unsparing between June 1943 and July 1944, which resulted in the destruction of 13 ships totalling 5,700 tons; severe damage to, or probable sinking of 8 ships totalling 4,260 tons, and the possible damaging of one ship of 4,000 tons.

For courage, skill and devotion to duty in the above operations. As Stoker Petty Officer he has run his department well, always setting a high example of cheerfulness and bravery in action to the younger ratings under his charge. His good work in repairing at sea the damage caused when Unsparing, on several occasions, was severely depth-charged by the enemy, helped considerably to get the ship back in efficient fighting order.’

H.M. Submarine Unsparing (formerly P 55 but renamed at Churchill’s request) was commissioned in October 1942 and commanded by Lieutenant A. D. ‘Peter’ Piper, a very experienced submarine officer having already won three D.S.Cs. in H.M. Submarines Ursula and Unbeaten. Piper was the first Royal Naval Reserve officer to win the D.S.C. in the Second World War, and the first to be given command of a submarine. He commanded Unsparing for 14 war patrols, operating from Malta and Beirut. Many of his successes were in the Aegean. In October 1943 he sank a German troopship. The next morning he returned to find three large Dornier DO 24 flying boats on the scene, picking up survivors. “I can imagine the headlines,” Piper said. “Submarine torpedoes aircraft!” He resisted the temptation and sank an escort packed with troops instead. In April 1944, forewarned by Ultra, Piper lay in wait off the island of Kos, to stalk and sink a merchant ship, escorted by three destroyers and numerous aircraft. In June he annihilated another enemy convoy, scoring four hits with four torpedoes, sinking the German submarine chaser UJ-2106, a lighter and a ferry. For his services during these successful war patrols Piper added a well deserved D.S.O. to his tally of honours, whilst his Lieutenant got a D.S.C. and six ratings received the D.S.M., including one Bar, these being the only decorations won by this submarine during the war. Petty Officer Round subsequently received his L.S. & G.C. medal whilst serving in the submarine Scotsman. Sold with copy recommendation and details of patrols.