Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1917 ‘Second Battle of the Heligoland Bight’ D.S.M. group of four awarded to Chief Petty Officer H. J. Parker, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (181672. H. J. Parker, C.P.O. Heligoland Bight. 17th. Nov. 1917); British War and Victory Medals (181672 H. J. Parker. C.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (181672 H. J. Parker, P.O. H.M.S. Exmouth.); together with the recipient’s Boatswain’s Whistle, silver, hallmarks for Birmingham 1894, inscribed ‘H. J. Parker 1894’, generally good very fine (5) £600-£800

D.S.M. London Gazette 17 May 1918:
‘For action in the Heligoland Bight on 17th November 1917.’

The Second Battle of the Heligoland Bight on 17 November 1917 turned out to be the last encounter between the big ships during the war. The affair, like so many other attempts to bring the Germans under the big guns of the Grand Fleet, proved frustrating and unsuccessful, the German’s losing only a single armed trawler which had been overwhelmed at the start of the action. One Distinguished Service Order, one Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, and eleven Distinguished Service Medals were awarded for this action, in addition to the posthumous Victoria Cross awarded to Ordinary Seaman J. H. Carless, his citation stating:
‘For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Although mortally wounded in the abdomen, he still went on serving the gun at which he was acting as rammer, lifting a projectile and helping to clear away the other casualties. He collapsed once, but got up, tried again, and cheered on the new gun’s crew. He then fell and died. He not only set a very inspiring and memorable example, but he also, whilst mortally wounded, continued to do effective work against the King’s enemies.’