Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Second War Landing Craft Obstacle Clearance Unit (LCOCU) D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Commando Frogman Petty Officer G. A. Lock in the opposed landings in the South of France as a LCOCU Section Leader; he surveyed the beaches and destroyed underwater obstacles and mines in the Baie de Cavallaire, having performed similar services in the Normandy Landings, and assisted in the rescue of wounded American soldiers whose Landing Craft had been mined and sunk

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (P.O., G. A. Lock. R/JX.222155); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted on card for display, extremely fine (7) £3,600-£4,400

Seedies Roll lists a total of only 10 D.S.M.s, 3 D.S.C.s, and one D.S.C. and Bar to LCOC Units during the Second War, mostly for the landings in Normandy and the South of France. For two other examples of D.S.M.s awarded to frogmen in L.C.O.C. Units see Dix Noonan Webb May 2017 (Lot 52, £13,000) and July 2019 (Lot 81, £7,500).

D.S.M. London Gazette 6 November 1945: ‘For bravery, skill and great devotion to duty in the reconnaissance and destruction of unknown obstacles and mines, and in the rescue of survivors whose craft had been destroyed in a minefield, during the landing in the Baie de Cavallaire in the South of France, June to August, 1944,, and for similar good services in the landings in Normandy.’

The recommendations for this batch of awards are in Admiralty Honours and Awards file H&A 940/45 in the National Archives under reference ADM1/30497 which reads:

‘The Honours and Awards Committee has considered the good services of certain ratings in the destruction of underwater obstacles and mines during the invasion of the South of France, and submits that the King may be asked to approve the Awards set forth below.

During the landings in the Baie de Cavallaire in the South of France these ratings successfully carried out under fire the initial reconnaissance of unknown obstacles and mines and achieved their destruction. They also did good work in helping to save the lives of wounded soldiers of the United States Army when the craft in which they were embarked struck mines and was sunk.

The individual recommendation for Petty Officer Lock adds to this…

Lock, George Arthur, Petty Officer, R.N.

“For Gallantry and Devotion to Duty as Section Leader of “B” Section L.C.O.C.U. Unit No:1 in that, during the landings in the “Baie de Cavallaire” South of France, he did on arrival at the beach carry out the pre-arranged plan without further orders, and
1. Did successfully carry out the initial reconnaissance of unknown obstacles and mines in his area.
2. Did work continuously throughout the day on the destruction of the obstacles and mines until the job was completed.
3. Did assist in the saving of the lives of wounded soldiers of the U.S. Army 1st Division when the craft in which they were embarked struck mines and were sunk.
4. Did render valuable assistance of a similar nature during the landings in Normandy.”

Remarks of the Immediate Authority, Naval Officer in Charge, Appledore:

“Forwarded for favourable consideration. Although a long time has elapsed since the occurrences leading to the recommendation, it is understood that no such recommendation was forwarded by the Force Commander, and there is no doubt that much coolness and courage under fire was displayed in the course of the operations which are described.”

Petty Officer Lock’s recommendation is signed by Lieutenant R.E. Billington, D.S.C., who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his gallant service in the Normandy Landings, and a Bar to the D.S.C. for similar service in the Landings in the South of France whilst in specific command of L.C.O.C. Unit No. 1 and in overall charge of all four L.C.O.C. Units of Force “J”. The recommendation for Billington’s Bar to the D.S.C. is supported by an extract from a letter from Vice Admiral H.K. Hewitt, U.S.N. Commander United States Eighth Fleet, which describes the hazardous work of this LCOCU unit:

‘For distinguishing himself by heroic and meritorious achievement as officer in charge of a Naval Combat Demolition Unit on 15th August 1944. Lieutenant Billington, displaying the utmost skill and energy, organized and trained his unit in the hazardous procedure of clearing underwater obstacles, beach obstructions and reinforced defence positions to enable the initial boat waves to land and discharge assault troops, equipment and supplies over the selected beaches. Despite the experimental nature of demolitions in amphibious warfare and the heavily obstructed approaches encountered during the assault operations, he successfully led his unit to the assigned beach and by means of hand placed charges, cleared the approach channels of obstacles and shallow mines for the early and relatively safe passage of assault traffic. His expert and fearless action in clearing and widening their approaches contributed materially to the expeditious launching of the assault and the prompt establishment of the beachhead.’