Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.S.M. awarded to Leading Deck Hand Frank Walker, Gunlayer on board H.M. Trawler Anthony Aslett in an action with an enemy submarine in the Atlantic in April 1918

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (SD.2151. F. Walker, Ldg. Dk. Hnd. R.N.R. Atlantic Ocean. 21 Apl. 1918.) very fine £600-£800

This lot is to be sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Medals, the Property of a Lady.

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D.S.M. London Gazette 7 June 1918.

The recommendation states: ‘H.M.T. Anthony Aslett. Action with enemy submarine 21 April 1918. Gunlayer. Did especially good and cool work. Fire was opened up at submarine at a range of 8,000 yards but shells were dropping considerably short of the enemy. In order to entice the enemy closer we fired five 6pdr rounds at intervals considerably short of him. This ruse apparently succeeded, for he drew closer, shelling us rapidly with both guns, the greater number of shells being gas shells. The submarine by this time had approached to within 7,000 yards and I ordered the range to be increased to 7,000 yards first shell falling in line but short but with the third round I believe submarine was damaged. In total 58 rounds fired but the enemy fired at least three times the amount. The Gunlayer Frank Walker, Leading Deck Hand R.N.R.(T) throughout the action was extremely cool and collected and his conduct undoubtedly had an influence upon the gun’s crew (ADM137/1494/120 refers).