Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Coastal Forces D.S.M. awarded to Acting Leading Stoker C. J. Hart, Royal Navy, for gallantry in M.T.B. 728 during an action in the English Channel in September 1944 when three E-boats were destroyed

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (C/KX.134913 A/L.Sto.) extremely fine £800-1000

D.S.M. London Gazette 19 December 1944: ‘Acting Leading Stoker Charles John Hart. For courage, skill and determination in light coastal craft in an engagement with the enemy in the Channel.’

The original recommendation states: “Action against German E-boats on the night of 18th/19th September 1944 - H.M.S. Stayner and M.T.Bs 724 and 728. On the night of 18th/19th September, 1944, M.T.B. 728 engaged enemy E-boats and was hit forward in the petrol compartment and caught fire. Leading Stoker Hart, senior rating in charge of the Fire Party, reported to the Bridge at once, and volunteered to inspect the burning space. After Methyl Bromide had been used with some success, Hart without hesitation went down into the compartment to complete the process of extinguishing the fire. Later with the boat still under fire, Hart went from the Bridge aft to inspect the C.S.A. gear which was apparently not functioning. He remained aft in an exposed position endeavouring to repair the gear, and, being convinced that the damage was irreparable, tried to ignite the canisters with matches.”

This action is more fully described in Cooper’s The Battle of the Torpedo Boats, and Scott’s Battle of the Narrow Seas, which confirm a German operation to deliver supplies by sea to the beleaguered German Garrison at Dunkirk, covered by three E-boats commanded by Kplt. Kral Mueller. All three German craft were sunk and over sixty prisoners were taken, including Mueller himself. Sold with copies of relevant extracts and copy recommendation.