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

Five: Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (SS.447 F. W. Bull, A.B. “Thistle” East Africa 2-3 July 1918); 1914-15 Star Trio (SS.447 F. W. Bull, A.B., R.N.); Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., Admiral’s bust (SS.447 Dev. B 2616 F. W. Bull, A.B., R.F.R.) extremely 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.M. London Gazette 29 October 1918 ‘The following award has been approved.’

Able Seaman Frederick Bull R.F.R. was at the time of his award a member of the small Naval Brigade landed from H.M.S. THISTLE for service on the east coast of Africa in June-July 1918. Somewhat surprisingly the official recommendation for the award of the D.S.M. originated at Quelimane on 26 July 1918 in a letter sent by Lieutenant General J. L. Van Deventer, Commander in Chief, East African Forces, addressed to the Naval Commander in Chief, East Africa.

‘I have the honour to forward No.3/26 from the Liaison Officer Quelimane, and to strongly recommend Able Seaman Frederick W. Bull for the Distinguished Service Medal. The service he voluntarily undertook was one of great danger for the enemy was closely investing the post at Nhamacurra on the night of the 2-3 July 1918, and the motor boat had practically to go right past the enemy's line, both going and returning.’

The Liaison Officer's report which was attached to Lt General J. L. Van Deventer's letter to the Naval Commander in Chief East Africa is a little more informative: ‘I desire to bring for the favourable consideration of the Commander in Chief the name of Frederick W. Bull, Able Seaman R.F.R. (Devonport) SS447 B2,616 for prompt reward. This man volunteered and carried important despatches from here (Quelimane) through enemy lines to Nhamacurra on the night of 2-3 July 1918. He displayed great coolness and gallantry and returned with other important despatches from Lieutenant Colonel Gore-Brown. This man serves in H.M.S. THISTLE.’

By comparison the official Admiralty recommendation is somewhat succinct: ‘Volunteering and carrying important despatches through enemy lines to Nhamacurra in Portuguese East Africa on the night of 2-3 July 1918, displaying great coolness and gallantry.’