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

Four: Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (217294 S. C. Cubitt, A.B., H.M.S. Severn. German E. Africa 1916); 1914-15 Star Trio (217294 S. C. Cubitt, A.B., R.N.) contact marks, therefore nearly very fine (4)

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

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D.S.M. London Gazette 15 June 1917 ‘The following awards have been approved.’

Able Seaman Samuel Charles Cubitt is mentioned in the ‘letter of proceedings of H.M. Ships SEVERN and MERSEY during attack on and final destruction of KÖNIGSBERG, Rufiji River 11 July 1915. Recommendation for Awards: Samuel C. Cubitt, A.B., R.F.R. “Who performed the duties of leadsmen on both occasions of entering and leaving the Rufigi Delta. Carried out duties in a most efficient manner and was of great assistance to the navigation of the ship”. Unfortunately this particular recommendation did not result in any reward for Cubitt.

During the period August-September 1916 the Monitor H.M.S. SEVERN, having played her part in the destruction of the KÖNIGSBERG, was in action off the German East African coast providing mobile artillery support for the military forces. In many instances SEVERN was required to operate in very shallow coastal waters and the only way to ascertain the depth of water was to have a man in the ‘chains’, a small exposed platform near the bows, with a sounding line and lead. Able Seaman Cubitt, a very experienced man, was detailed off as a ‘special leadsman’ for this hazardous duty as shown in the recommendation for his D.S.M. for services in the landing at Bagamoyo:

‘As Special Leadsman this seaman has continually performed very valuable service. He is extremely expert and gives accurate soundings at all depths, and has continued to do so under fire in his particularly exposed position, in a manner worthy of the highest praise’.