Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘evacuation of Gallipoli’ D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Lieutenant-Commander S. Barratt, Royal Navy, who was decorated for his services on H.M.S. Glory, in addition to being commended for his valuable services during Operation Neptune in 1944

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (217841 S. Barratt. P.O. Gallipoli Opns. 1915-6); 1914-15 Star (217841, S. Barratt, P.O. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Gnr. S. Barratt. R.N.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Jubilee 1935, the first officially re-impressed, contact marks, generally very fine (7) £600-£800

D.S.M. London Gazette 15 May 1916:
‘In recognition of services... of the Eastern Mediterranean Squadron during the evacuation of the Gallipoli Peninsula in December 1915 to January 1916’

Seth Barratt was born in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, on 16 July 1886 and was a tailor’s boy, before he entered naval service on 19 October 1901 as a Boy 2nd Class in H.M.S. Ganges. Advanced Ordinary Seaman in H.M.S. Flora on 14 July 1904 and Able Seaman in January 1905, he was drafted to H.M.S. Glory as a Leading Seaman on 18 August 1914, and was promoted Petty Officer on 1 October. He served during the evacuation of Gallipoli, work for which he was awarded the D.S.M. Barratt was appointed Gunner in December 1915, Commissioned Gunner in 1925 and Lieutenant in 1936.

Barratt, who was promoted Lieutenant-Commander in 1944, was to render valuable services during the Second War. Indeed, Seedie’s roll lists Lieutenant-Commander S. Barratt as having been sent a letter of praise for services rendered in Operation Neptune in 1944.