Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War D.S.M. group of six awarded to Leading Seaman Thomas Moffatt, H.M.S. Loch Glendhu, for the capture and subsequent destruction of the U-1024 in April 1945

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (A/Temp. Ldg. Smn. T. Moffatt P/JX.218964) attempted erasure of ‘A/Temp.’; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Italy Star; Pacific Star; War Medal, nearly very fine or better (6) £400-500

D.S.M. London Gazette 11 September 1945: ‘For courage and resource in H.M. Ships Loch Glendhu and Loch More in so heavily damaging a U-boat off the north of Scotland that the crew abandoned her, and in subsequently attempting to take her in tow.’

In the late evening of 12th April, 1942, the U-1024 (Hans-Joachim Gutteck) was located by the frigate Loch Glemdhu (Lt-Cdr E. G. P. B. Knapton) of the 8th Escort Group. The boat was forced to the surface by a Squid attack delivered by Loch Glendhu. Ships of the 8th EG opened fire and H.M.S. Loch Achray fired depth charges. U-1024’s crew was seen to be abandoning ship and the firing ceased. It is believed that U-1024’s commander was wounded during the firing and that he then shot himself. The boat was boarded by a party from Loch More and valuable documents were found. She was then taken in tow by Loch More but foundered in the morning of the 13th after the tow line parted in thick fog and sank. Only two DSM’s awarded for this action, the second recipient being from the Loch More. Sold with copies of the official action report.