Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 255

(x) Six: Temporary Lieutenant J. R. Watt, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, who was unusually mentioned in dispatches for life-saving gallantry aboard H.M.S. Hoy in 1944

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st type (Ty. Lieut. J. R. Watt. R.N.V.R.), mounted for display, official correction to rank on L.S. & G.C., light scratches, good very fine (6)

M.I.D. London Gazette 14 November 1944:

'For outstanding courage and devotion to duty in H.M. Ships Brixham, Bude, Hoy, Polruan, Rothesay and Sharpshooter in minesweeping operations in the Mediterranean.'

John Robert Watt was born in 1896. Commissioned a Sub-Lieutenant on 12 March 1942, he served as a Lieutenant aboard H.M.S. Hoy during minesweeping operations off Corsica in early 1944. Hoy struck an enemy mine off Bastia on 27 July that year. For his services during this incident, Watt received the following recommendation for a mention in dispatches:

'For bravery and self sacrifice in saving life by climbing down a scrambling net and passing life lines round survivors who were too weak to lift themselves in a wind of forces seven to eight and sea short and rough.'

Watt was promoted to Lieutenant on 17 January 1944, serving aboard H.M. Ships Hannibal, Goth and Vaceasay before the war's end.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£170

Starting price
£70