RN WW2 records query - D.S.M.

[2twigs]

Hello
I'm posting in the hope that someone can provide some advice regarding researching my Grandads WW2 Royal Navy Service. This is particularly in regard to one query.

Background;
I have obtained a copy of his medal record card and his service history. I also have details regarding a mention in dispatches 04/05/43. I also have a scan of an original 'fabric' service document.
There is little family information available other than a memory of 'one, possibly two bars on the medals and two mentions in dispatches', although this information is vague. I understand the memory of the medal bar could relate to the leaf connected to the mention in Dispatches.

Query;
On the fabric document is written what looks like "Awarded D.S.M  L Gazette" (see attachment). This is not noted on any other document I have. To date I have found no further details or records relating to this. Does anyone know how I may be able to find out further information?

I'm quite prepared to visit the National Archives but I'm not sure what record/s to look in once I get there.
Any help and ideas much appreciated. 

[Spikey68]

If you provide a name we can have a look for him in the London Gazette. His number would be helpful too.

[2twigs]

Hi there

Thank you for your reply and offer very much appreciated.

The record I'm seeking is for Thomas Harper C / SSX / 26972. From what I can gather he was on combined-ops for some time via Landing Craft Assault and served from 1938 to 1945. 

The mention in Despatches that I have already located is not related to a DSM. This is the only record I can find when searching the L Gazette website (4th May 1943 - page 2006/07) " for bravery, endurance and devotion to duty in North African waters - Mention in Despatches"

I've now looked through ADM 171/164 on the National Archives record but I couldn't seem to see his name or number. It could be staring me in the face somewhere, argh.

Thanks again   

[seaweed]

I have given a heads up to poster Hmac. regarding this post. If anyone can help you he's the man.

[HMac]

I've now looked through ADM 171/164 on the National Archives record but I couldn't seem to see his name or number. It could be staring me in the face somewhere, argh.

Hello,
Did you visit Kew to look at ADM 171/64. You will not see anything from the Discovery Catalogue search engine online.

Honours and Awards is a big subject and you will find papers dispersed in various ADM files at Kew - namely ADM 1.

There only appears to be his Mention in Despatches gazetted I cannot find his DSM, that said, The London Gazette has a very poor search engine. I would suggest you check ADM 1 and ADM 171/64 from TNA or get hold of 'SEEDIE'S Roll of Naval Honours and Awards, 1939-1959'. The book is expensive and rare to find but may be available at larger libraries. You could also try 'The Distinguished Service Medal 1939-1946' by  W.H Fevyer.

Regrds
Hugh

[Drew5233]

There is no T Harper listed in The Distinguished Service Medal 1939-1946 by W.H Fevyer

[seaweed]

 'SEEDIE'S Roll of Naval Honours and Awards, 1939-1959'. The book is expensive and rare to find but may be available at larger libraries.

Enter your post code for the nearest library
http://www.worldcat.org/title/seedies-roll-of-naval-honours-awards-1939-1959/oclc/41503840?referer=br&ht=edition

[Drew5233]

You wasn't joking Hugh

http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=14940115354&searchurl=tn%3DRoll+of+Naval+Honours+and+Awards%2C+1939-1959%26sts%3Dt

[HMac]

I know Drew - very expensive  . Seedie's is the bible for maritime wartime awards but, that said, like any piece of written work, there are mistakes and omissions. I have the MN version which I picked up by chance on eBay for a lot, lot less than that.

Regards
Hugh