Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War D.S.M. group of five awarded to Engine Room Artificer W. Boothman, Royal Navy, who served in the minesweeper H.M.S. Seagull throughout the war and was mentioned in despatches for Operation Neptune in 1944

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (E.R.A. 2 Cl. W. Boothman. D/MX. 51951); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, clasp, France and Germany; Defence and War Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf, good very fine (5) £700-£900

D.S.M. London Gazette 14 June 1945 (Birthday Honours List).

M.I.D. London Gazette 26 December 1945, for Operation Neptune (Invasion of Normandy).

Wilson Boothman was born at East Bowling, near Bradford, on 15 February 1914, and joined the Navy on 26 March 1935, as a Stoker 2nd Class, having been a fitter and turner in civilian life. He was rapidly re-classed as an Acting Engine Room Artificer 4th Class in October 1935. He volunteered for service in submarines in May 1936 but never served in any. He joined Seagull on 20 July 1938 and remained in her throughout the war, leaving her on 28 July 1945 as an Acting Chief E.R.A. (Temp). He was released from the Navy on 21 May 1947 with two Good Conduct Badges. Sold with copied record of service and WWII Medal Record Card which does not confirm entitlement to the Defence Medal.