The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

Five: Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (285849. T. Phillips, Ch. Sto. H.M.S. Dartmouth Straits of Otranto 15 May 1917); 1914-15 Star (Act. Ch. Sto. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals Ch. Sto. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (Sto. P.O. H.M.S. Egmont) nearly extremely fine (5)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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D.S.M. London Gazette 29 August 1917 “In recognition of their services in the action in the Straits of Otranto on 15 May 1917.”

On 15 May 1917 a mixed Italian/French destroyer force led by the British Cruiser DARTMOUTH encountered an Austrian Squadron of Cruisers, supported by Destroyers, who were raiding the allied Drifter barrage in the Otranto Straits. Single handed, the DARTMOUTH engaged the Austrian ships, her gunfire bringing one of their cruisers to a standstill. The DARTMOUTH, outnumbered and outgunned, was hit several times by gunfire and later by a torpedo and took on a heavy list forcing her crew to abandon ship. When the Austrian Squadron departed, the Captain, along with a party of volunteers, reboarded the ship managing to partially right her, and re-raising steam eventually returned to Brindisi.

Eighteen D.S.M.’s and one Bar were awarded for this action, many of them to the driftermen who made a most spirited attack against the Austrians in their little boats. Foremost amongst these was Skipper Joseph Watt of the GOWAN LEA, who was awarded the Victoria Cross.