Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas (Part I)

The rare Second War Polish Cross of Valour group of eight awarded to Leading Telegraphist G. A. Rouse, Royal Navy, attached Polish Navy, who was decorated for his bravery aboard the Polish destroyer Kujawiak in the famous Malta convoy ‘Operation Harpoon’

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oakleaf; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (J. 112785 G. A. Rouse. Ldg. Tel. H.M.S. Pembroke); Polish Cross of Valour 1939-45, mounted as worn, good very fine (8) £800-£1,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas.

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Fewer than 50 Polish Crosses of Valour were awarded to Officers and ratings of the Royal Navy in the Second World War.

M.I.D. London Gazette 22 September 1942. The recommendation states:

‘On 16 June 1942, when the O.R.P. Kujawiak struck a mine and sunk, this leading hand remained at his post in the W./T. office and transmitted two W./T. signals as ordered by the bridge. He continued transmitting although the ship was listing fast and electricity had failed. He finally finished the signal as the battery power failed, then with Coder C. Foulds he disposed of the C.Ps and S.Ps as ordered.’

Polish Cross of Valour London Gazette 22 December 1942. The recommendation states:

‘During all operations of the O.R.P. Kujawiak, but especially in the operations against overwhelming Italian surface units around Pantelaria and during the sinking of the Kujawiak close to Malta, he showed personal bravery and good naval qualities. Until ordered to abandon ship, he broadcast and received radio signals using the reserve transmitter. After the order to abandon ship he took an active part in destroying the codes. He has earned the greatest recognition.’

An accompanying wartime newspaper cutting gives further details regarding the fate of the O.R.P. Kujawiak:

‘Within sight of her destination, and adding more laurels to her already proud career, the Polish destroyer Kujawiak sank recently while on convoy work in the Mediterranean. Last winter while on night patrol off France she sank two enemy ships, says the Polish Minister of Information, chronicling today her exploits of the last few months. Later while escorting a convoy she shot down two Junkers and drove off others, enabling the convoy to reach port without loss. Shortly after 41 decorations had been presented to Officers and men by General Sikorski, the Kujawiak began what proved her last voyage. While in a strong convoy in the Mediterranean an attack was made from the air. The Kujawiak shot down two airplanes. Another attack was made by Junkers 88s. One of these was a probable for the destroyer. In a further attack by 50 airplanes, one of two were credited to the Polish vessel as disabled. Another airplane fell victim to her during the last raid, and she damaged a sixth with her machine-guns. Next day the convoy engaged Axis cruisers and destroyers. The Kujawiak took an unusually active part and the enemy was driven off. When the port of destination was in sight there was an explosion [as a result of hitting a mine]. Water and oil flooded the watertight compartments and the Kujawiak listed strongly to port. Efforts failed to save the ship and the order came to abandon her. The Captain, while recovering possessions from his cabin, was trapped but two sailors went to his rescue. Less than a minute after he had jumped into the water the ship went down.’

In addition to his service in the Kujawiak, Rouse served in the P.C. 74 between August 1939 and March 1940; H.M.S. Heather from October 1940 until December 1941; the Isle of Sark from August 1942 until March 1944; the Fervent from May to October 1944, and, following very brief service in the cruiser Dido, in McNab VII; accompanying original application for campaign awards refers.

Sold sold with original Mention in Despatches certificate and Polish Cross of Valour notification letter signed by General Sikorski, among other documentation.