Six: Chief Engine Room Artificer J. Clark, D.S.M., Royal Navy, who was awarded the D.S.M....

Six: Chief Engine Room Artificer J. Clark, D.S.M., Royal Navy, who was awarded the D.S.M. for his gallantry in H.M.S. Kelvin, most likely on the night of 19-20 January 1943, when Kelvin, alongside H.M.S. Javelin, intercepted and destroyed the Italian’s Tripoli Minesweeping Flotilla 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, 1 clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (M.37902 J. Clark. C.E.R.A.2. H.M.S. Kelvin.); together with a copy Distinguished Service Medal, nearly extremely fine (7) £200-£240 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- D.S.M. London Gazette 2 June 1943: ‘For gallantry or outstanding service in the face of the Enemy, or for zeal, patience, and cheerfulness in dangerous waters, and for setting an example of wholehearted devotion to duty, without which the high tradition of the Royal Navy could not have been upheld.’ James Clark was born in Bishops Stortford, Essex, on on 8 February 1908 and joined the Royal Navy as an apprentice Engine Room Artificer on 1 January 1924. Advanced Chief Engine Room Artificer Second Class on 1 April 1939, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 20 November 1940. He served during the Second World War in H.M.S. Kelvin, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 1943, most likely for his service on the night of 19-20 January 1943 when H.M.S. Kelvin, along with H.M.S. Javelin, discovered the Tripoli Minesweeping Flotilla fleeing Tunisia for Italy during the course of the night. They attacked immediately, and destroyed the entire flotilla with the loss of 180 Italian sailors’ lives. He transferred to the Reserve on 12 April 1948. Sold with copied service records and other research.