Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria including the collection to Naval Artificers formed by JH Deacon

A fine Second World War D.S.C. and Bar group of nine awarded to Commander G. Ransome, Royal Navy, who won his first award for the Sicily landings in July 1943, and his Bar for the bombardment of the “Gothic Line” on the Adriatic coast in September 1944

Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse hallmarked 1945 and dated 1943, with Second Award Bar, the reverse dated 1945, the reverse of the cross additionally inscribed ‘Commander, Royal Navy’; British War and Victory Medals (Mid., R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; War Medal, these last five privately inscribed ‘G.R.’; Jubilee 1935, privately named ‘Lt. Cdr. R.N.’, mounted as worn, together with companion set of mounted miniatures, the British War Medal with 3 clasps, North Sea 1917, North Sea 1918, Russia, good very fine (18) £1800-2200

D.S.C. London Gazette 21 December 1943: ‘For outstanding leadership, enterprise and devotion to duty in the operations which led to the capture of Sicily by Allied Forces.’

Godfrey Ransome was Senior Naval Officer Landing ‘J’ and Primary Beach Officer during Operation “Husky”, the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. The recommendation for his D.S.C. states: ‘This officer’s drive, untiring effort, initiative, leadership and enthusiasm were an inspiration to all throughout the operation. The beaches for which he was responsible were extremely difficult, but by showing the above qualities he overcame all obstacles, and the unloading over the beaches was kept up to schedule. He accompanied the assault to the beaches, which was met by heavy machine-gun fire, and later the beaches were shelled by mortars and 6” howitzers. When an L.C.I. (L) fully loaded with troops was hit by howitzer shell, he himself went on board and dealt with the fire and gave directions as to the wounded and killed. This officer is deserving of very high praise.’

Bar to D.S.C. London Gazette 24 April 1945: ‘For gallantry, leadership and outstanding devotion to duty shown in H.M.S. Loyal during a bombardment of enemy targets on the Adriatic Coast North of Ancona.’

The recommendation for the award of the Bar states: ‘Continued and fearless devotion to duty in hazardous waters under frequent fire from heavy enemy coastal defence guns. The support of the Bombarding Force of Destroyers commanded by this Officer, maintained in face of considerable opposition, was a source of great satisfaction to the Army, and contributed considerably to their successes in the fight for the Eastern extremity of the Gothic Line.’ The recommendation was further endorsed by Rear-Admiral Morgan, ‘Fully concur. For about six weeks Commander Ransome was in command of this bombarding force, operating always in a narrow swept channel and often under enemy fire. His organisation, co-operation and personal example were of the highest order and his determination and untiring devotion to duty were of very considerable assistance to the 8th Army in their break-through of the Gothic Line.’

As a Lieutenant-Commander, Ransome took part in the 1935 Jubilee official celebrations in command of the Royal Naval Guard of Honour. Colonel Gregson, Irish Guards, Field Officer-in-Waiting who was responsible for the organisation of the three Guards of Honour, wrote later to the Quarter-Master-General, London District, as follows:

‘I have seen many Naval Guards in my time, but never one which, for general turn out, keenness, good drill and smartness, was up to the standard of the one on Monday. From the time they paraded in Wellington Barracks to the time they were dismissed they never put a foot wrong... Especially admirable was the very dignified drill with the Colour.’ High praise indeed from one who, it is stated, never gives praise where it is not due. This praise is further reinforced by a most unusual letter held in Admiralty files from an Ex-Private soldier:

‘Because I had a Sergeant Major’s view of the three Royal Guards on Monday from the Memorial I would like to tell you apart from the public opinion around me I’m really sorry to say being (Ex Army Private) that the Naval Guard was definitely - the best moved - best drilled - and most pleasing Guard of the three Services. I could hardly believe my eyes. Has anybody told you so, surely it was most discernible. I had to write this to get it off my chest. Congratulations!’