Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War D.S.M. group of eleven awarded to Stoker Petty Officer William Ashton, H.M. Aircraft-carrier Formidable, for gallantry when the ship was attacked by enemy aircraft

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (P/K.3143 W. Ashton, S.P.O. H.M.S. Formidable); 1914-15 Star (L.Sto., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (S.P.O., R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; Defence & War Medals; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue with fixed suspension, the Great War medals polished, fine, otherwise nearly very fine (11) £600-700

D.S.M. London Gazette 2 December 1941: ‘For courage, resolution and devotion to duty in operations in the Mediterranean.’

The following details are taken from the original Admiralty recommendation: ‘For courage and coolness in an emergency. When the bomb burst forward, he was knocked down and blown about twenty yards by the blast. All firemains forward were put out of action but he at once isolated the damaged pipes and restored the pressure and continued to do excellent work in fire fighting and salvage.’

On 26 May 1941, H.M.S. Formidable was attacked by a force of JU87’s from Libya, and badly damaged. Sold with relevant copies from Admiralty records.