Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War anti-U-boat operations D.S.M. group of six awarded to Able Seaman T. W. Winstanley, Royal Navy, who was decorated for his gallant services in H.M.S. Legion at the destruction of the Italian submarine Adua in September 1941: he had earlier been awarded a “mention” for like services in H.M.S. Imogen at the destruction of the U-42 in October 1939

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (C/JX. 128820 T. W. Winstanely, A.B., H.M.S. Legion); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (JX. 128820 T. W. Winstanley, A.B., H.M.S. Orlando), good very fine (6) £800-1000

D.S.M. London Gazette 6 January 1942:

‘For skill and enterprise in action against enemy submarines.’

The original recommendation states:

‘For efficiency in performance of duties of Asdic Operator.’

Thomas Wainwright Winstanley was a pre-war regular who was serving in the destroyer H.M.S. Imogen on the renewal of hostilities.

On 13 October 1939, Imogen, in the company of her consort Ilex, assisted in the destruction of the U-42 south-west of Ireland; there were 17 survivors. Winstanley, who was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 1 January 1940, refers), was likely still serving in Imogen at the time of her loss off Duncansby Head on the night of 16-17 July 1940, when she was badly damaged in a collision with the cruiser Glasgow, caught fire and sank; 135 officers and ratings were rescued.

Having then joined another destroyer, the Legion, his good work as an Asdic Operator continued apace, not least on 30 September 1941 when, during the course of Malta convoy “Operation Halberd”, Legion and her consort, Gurkha, accounted for the Italian submarine Adua north-west of Algiers. Winstanley was awarded the D.S.M., which distinction he received at a Buckingham Palace investiture in April 1943.

In the interim, he was likely aboard Legion when she was damaged by enemy aircraft off Malta in March 1942 and beached. Refloated and towed to Grand Harbour, she was sunk in a heavy raid on the 26th; sold with copied research.