Orders, Decorations and Medals

An Operation ‘Pedestal’ Malta Convoy D.S.M. awarded to Engineroom Storekeeper W. E. Hills, Motor Vessel Port Chalmers

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Stkpr. W. E. Hills) extremely fine £700-900

D.S.M. London Gazette 10 December 1942: ‘Storekeeper William Edward Hills. For bravery and dauntless resolution while serving in H.M. Ships... merchantmen and oilers 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 original Operational Report, submitted by the Convoy Commodore, Retired Commander A. J. Venables, from on board the M.V. Port Chalmers (15 August 1942) fully describes the attacks and actions and states, “The ship’s company in Port Chalmers deserve the highest praise for their magnificent conduct and coolness” and specifically mentions W. Hills, Engineroom Storekeeper, for devotion to duty. Copy sold with the lot.

This is a scarce instance of a member of the Merchant Navy being awarded a decoration previously reserved for men of the Royal Navy serving with the fleet. The Admiralty took the position after the Harpoon and Pedestal convoy operations that the crews of the merchantmen involved had faced and fully shared the dangers as the Navy.