Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War D.E.M.S. gunner’s D.S.M. group of eight awarded to Acting Petty Officer J. J. Burnett, Royal Navy, who was also mentioned in despatches for like deeds in air attacks off Algiers

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Temp. A./P.O. J. J. Burnett, P/JX. 97516); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Burma Star, clasp, Pacific; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (J. 97516 (Po. B. 18973) J. J. Burnett, A.B., R.F.R.), nearly extremely fine (8) £700-900

D.S.M. London Gazette 8 June 1944:

‘For gallantry or outstanding service in the face of the enemy, or for zeal, patience and cheerfulness in dangerous waters, and for setting an example of wholehearted devotion to duty, upholding the high tradition of the Royal Navy.’

Jack Jervis Burnett, a native of Datchet, was decorated for his services in Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships and received his decoration at a Buckingham Palace investiture held in October 1944. He had earlier won a “mention” for his gallantry aboard the S.S. Macharda during enemy air attacks on Algiers, and more particularly for his close and accurate shooting of a target (London Gazette 9 March 1943 refers).

The Macharda was a Brocklebanks’ vessel and, for Operation “Torch”, was laden with valuable fighter fuel and ammunition, in addition to landing craft and assorted troops. Departing the Clyde one evening in October 1942, she arrived off Algiers at midnight on 8 November, at which point she made preparations to send off her first landing craft. The following day she came under attack from enemy aircraft for the first time and, as night fell, enemy torpedo bombers flew in from seaward. The History of Brocklebanks 1770-1950 takes up the story:

‘Two torpedoes were dropped near Macharda, one passing close astern. Tracer bullets from the starboard machine-guns hit two aircraft in the nose, and one 12-pounder shell burst close to an incoming Heinkel III.’

Here, then, Burnett and his fellow D.E.M.S. gunners hard at work, gallantry under fire that resulted in his “mention”. And he was still serving aboard the Macharda at the time of being awarded his D.S.M., having in the interim been back in action off North Africa, including spirited actions against Condors and Stukas off Bone in mid-March 1943.