Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second War minesweeping ‘Normandy bridgehead’ D.S.M. group of ten awarded to Chief Engine Room Artificer S. F. Hewston, H.M.S. Grecian, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (C.E.R.A. S. F. Hewston. D/MX. 49132.); Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1936-1939 (MX. 49132 S. F. Hewston. E.R.A. 3, R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 copy clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Korea 1950-53, 1st issue (D/MX49132 S. F. Hewston D.S.M. C.E.R.A. R.N.); U.N. Korea 1950-54; Jubilee 1953; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (MX.49132 S. F. Hewston. C.E.R.A. H.M.S. Drake.) generally very fine or better (10) £1000-1400

D.S.M. London Gazette 13 March 1945:

‘For outstanding courage, leadership and skill during the build-up of the Normandy bridgehead.’

Seedies Roll gives ‘Assault Normandy June September 1944.’

The original recommendation states:

‘Outstanding in his devotion, and in quality of his work. No hours are too long for him. It has been no simple matter to keep this diesel electric ship, specially its auxiliary plant in a continual state of efficiency and operational readiness. Never since commissioning has this ship had to delay an hour. Never since D Day has this ship not taken her place in the line, and Grecian has been the only ship in the Flotilla that can boast of this. For all this - Hewston is so largely responsible. Very highly recommended indeed.’

Sydney Frederick Hewston had a long career in the Royal Navy as an Engine Room Artificer. He served with distinction as Chief Engine Room Artificer with the minesweeper H.M.S. Grecian during the Second War. In particular when she was employed as part of the 40th Minesweeping Flotilla, and engaged in the minesweeping operations prior to, and during, Operation Neptune. Hewston’s investiture for the D.S.M. was 4 December 1945.