Orders, Decorations and Medals

An Operation ‘Pedestal’ D.S.M. pair awarded to Petty Officer E. W. Edwards, H.M. Aircraft-carrier Indomitable

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (JX.156681 E. W. Edwards, T/P.O.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (P.O. H.M.S. Indomitable) nearly extremely fine (2) £600-700

D.S.M. London Gazette 10 November 1942: ‘For bravery and dauntless resolution while serving in H.M. Ships when an important convoy was fought through to Malta in the face of relentless attacks by day and night from enemy submarines, aircraft and surface forces.’

The following details are taken from the original Admiralty recommendation: ‘Temporary Petty Officer Ernest William Edwards, H.M.S. Indomitable. For gallantry and devotion to duty. As Petty Officer of the flight deck division Petty Officer Edwards was prominent throughout 11th and 12th August, when a record number of aircraft were operated from the ship. At 1845 he was closed up at his station at the after group of Oerlikon guns and kept his guns pointed up sun. By his foresight he was the first to spot the enemy dive bombers which attacked the ship and the first to open fire. As soon as the port group was on target he ran across the deck to the starboard group and himself manned one of the guns. The starboard group certainly accounted for one of the enemy aircraft which crashed into the sea astern of the ship. He showed a fine fighting spirit and set a splendid example.’

Petty Officer Edwards had been previously recommended for a Mention in Despatches by the Commanding Officer of Indomitable on 10 May 1942, for Operation ‘Ironclad’, the assault and capture of Diego Suarez which took place on the 5th to 7th May, 1942. Sold with relevant copies from Admiralty records.