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Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 573

The 'Scheldt Clearance 1944' D.S.M. awarded to Second Hand A. Fox, Royal Naval Patrol Service who was decorated for minesweeping whilst serving on British Yard Mine Sweeper 2189 clearing the Scheldt Estuary to allow the Allies use of Antwerp

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Second Hand A. Fox. LT/JX 219662.), on its original investiture pin and in case of issue, extremely fine

D.S.M. London Gazette 3 April 1945, the original citation states:

'For great gallantry and endurance in clearing the estuary of the Scheldt of mines during the period of October to November 1944.'

The original recommendations states:

'His devotion to duty as coxswain and skill and keenness in maintaining the sweeping gear, contributed largely to the success of the ship during the Schelde clearance. He is a hard and cheerful worker who sets a very good example to the whole ship's company.'

Alfred Fox a native of Hull served aboard British Yard Mine Sweeper 2189. BYMSs were built in the United States and transferred the Royal Navy under the Lend-lease Programme. "British Yard Mine Sweepers" were so called because they were built to the same design as the US Navy's "Yard Mine Sweepers". Crews for the BYMS's would sail to the United States, often on the Queen Mary, which could sail unescorted because of her greater speed, to collect their vessel. They would then have the formidable task of sailing their small vessel back across the Atlantic Ocean, often in winter.

BYMS 2189 was launched on 14 October 1942, completed and transferred to Royal Navy on14 October 1942 and was assigned to the Nore Command, Flotilla 170 in 1945. She took part in the D-day landings.



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Estimate

Starting price
£480