The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 2)

Five: Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R.; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (Gunner R. J. Thomas, R.N., H.M.S. Merlin); 1914-15 Star (Ch. Gnr. R. J. Thomas, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. R. J. Thomas, R.N.) good very fine (5)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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D.S.C. London Gazette 25 October 1916 ‘In recognition of services in the Patrol Cruisers during the period January to June 1916.’

Robert John Thomas was promoted to Gunner, R.N., on 16 June 1896, and served in this rank aboard H.M.S. MERLIN during the Operations off the Coast of Somaliland in 1902-04. He was promoted to Chief Gunner on 1 April 1912 and at the outbreak of war was serving aboard the Cruiser H.M.S. ROYAL ARTHUR, 10th Cruiser Squadron, serving with the Northern Patrol. He was appointed on 5 August 1914 to H.M.S. ESKIMO, an armed Merchant Cruiser, for service with the Northern Patrol, and on 31 March 1915 he joined H.M.S. ANDES another armed Merchant Cruiser. He continued to serve in this vessel for over three years mainly in Icelandic waters with the Northern Patrol. His Distinguished Service Cross was awarded in recognition of the high state of efficiency that had been achieved by the Gunnery Department of H.M.S. ANDES whilst under his charge. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 13 Speptember 1918, and appointed on 10 September 1918 to H.M.S. ACTAEON, Torpedo Training School at Sheerness for Flotilla Duties. On 19 May 1919 he was appointed to H.M.S. EXCELLENT for a Gunnery course and on completion he was appointed to the Royal Naval Dockyard at Rosyth where he continued to serve until he retired in 1923. He was promoted on the Retired List to Lieutenant Commander on 13 September 1926, and died on 7 February 1951.