Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.S.M. group of four awarded to Chief Engine Room Artificer R. J. Beardshaw, Royal Naval Reserve, probably for his services in the light cruiser action on 5 June 1917, when the German destroyer S20 was sunk

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (E.A.1100 R. J. Beardshaw, C.E.R.A. R.N.R. H.M.S. Centaur. 1916-7.); 1914-15 Star (E.A. 1100. R. J. Beardshaw. E.R.A. R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (1100E.A. R. J. Beardshaw. C.E.R.A. R.N.R.) mounted as worn, good very fine (4) £800-£1,000

D.S.M. London Gazette 11 August 1917: ‘The following awards have been approved.’

The recommendation states: ‘H.M.S. Centaur 5th Light Cruiser Squadron, Harwich Force 1916-7.’

On 5 June 1917, the light cruisers Canterbury, Centaur and Conquest sank the German destroyer S20 in the North Sea near the Shouwen Bank, off Zeebrugge, Belgium. This award is probably related to this action.