Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second War ‘service ashore’ D.S.M. group of four awarded to Stoker 1st Class Harold Simpson, Harbour Defence Motor Launch 1158, Royal Navy, who went ashore at Krioneri, Greece, in December 1944, under mortar fire and assisted in casting off a caique containing wounded Army personnel thereby being instrumental in saving their lives

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Sto. 1Cl. H. Simpson. D/KX. 138065); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (4) £1,400-£1,800

D.S.M. London Gazette 14 August 1945: ‘For distinguished service, energy and zeal while serving in... Light Coastal Forces, in the clearance of the Aegean and the relief of Greece during the period 1944-1945.’

The original recommendation for this award (ADM 116/5172) states:

‘Stoker First Class Harold Simpson, D/KX. 138065, H.D.M.L. 1158 (Rochdale, Lancashire).
At KRIONERI (Greece) on Dec. 15th during the evacuation under fire of British Empire troops Stoker Harold Simpson of H.D.M.L. 1158 went ashore under Mortar fire and assisted in casting off a caique containing wounded Army personnel thereby being instrumental in saving their lives.’