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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 679

A Great War D.S.M. awarded to Greaser W. Anderson, Mercantile Marine Reserve

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (W. Anderson, Greasr. M.M.R. H.M.S. Marmora. 1917), minor edge knock, very fine

D.S.M. London Gazette 6 April 1918.

William Anderson was awarded the D.S.M. for exceptional merit in performance of his Patrol and Escort Duties aboard the H.M.S. Marmora. Marmora was a 'M'-class passenger ship launched in 1903 but was requisitioned by the Admiralty on the very first day of the First World War for use as an Armed Merchant Cruiser and was refitted with eight 4.7" guns.

It is not known whether Anderson was with her on 23 July 1918 when she was struck by a torpedo from German U-boat UB 64, commanded by Otto von Schrader, and sunk off the southern coast of Ireland. There were ten casualties and the survivors were picked up by P67 and put ashore at Milford Haven.

Anderson survived the Great War but died soon after of cardiovascular disease on 24 April 1924, at which time he was serving with H.M.S. Rowan. Upon his death his pension was claimed by his 'guardian' Miss Bella Anderson, who resided at 100 Lamb Street, Liverpool, and his medals were claimed by his son.

Anderson is further entitled to a Great War trio; sold together with copied medal roll and London Gazette entry.

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Sold for
£450

Starting price
£320