Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Dieppe Raid D.S.M. group of five awarded to Able Seaman Thomas Ritchie, H.M.S. Brocklesby

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (JX.223028 T. Ritchie A.B.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence & War Medals, edge bruise to the first, otherwise good very fine (4) £1400-1800

D.S.M. London Gazette 2 October 1942: ‘For gallantry, daring and skill in the combined attack on Dieppe.’

The following recommendation is taken from official records: ‘Able Seaman Thomas Ritchie, H.M.S. Brocklesby. When the ship was hit on the quarterdeck and cordite fires started, showed great coolness and presence of mind in providing water by buckets on discovering the firemain was severed. Was always to the forefront when A.L.C.’s had to be taken in tow while the ship was under fire.’

At 1130 hrs., on the 19th of August, 1942, H.M.S. Brocklesby had sailed to within 500 yards of the shore for better observation of the gun emplacements from which the firing was coming, and became the target for weapons of all calibres. She received several direct hits from 77 mm. shells in her engines, which were put out of action, and she began to sink by the stern. Fortunately her engineers managed to get the engines going within a few minutes, which allowed her to get out of this more than critical situation without damage. Two DSM’s were awarded to this ship for the raid.

Sold with copies of the recommendation and full list of awards for Operation ‘Jubilee’, together with a copy photograph of Ritchie after receiving his award.