Lot 5129

Description

DSC Trio to Merchant Marine: Distinguished Service Cross (GRI), hallmarked reverse; British War Medal 1914-18; Mercantile Marine War Medal 1914-18. The first medal unnamed as issued, Ernest W. O'Connor on the other medals. Both named medals impressed. Good very fine - extremely fine.

Ex M. M. Andrews Collection.

DSC: Supplement to LG 15/6/1917, p5959 - 'Captain Ernest William O'Connor, Master of Transport "Barjora" showed exceptional ability in the coast operations, the success of the landings being largely due to his professional capacity and zeal.

During the Battle of Tanga, in an unsuccessful attack in 1914 by the British to capture German East Africa, the Bajora provided small arms covering fire from its decks at the landings at Tanga and later acted as an ambulance transport to Mombassa. Captain O'Connor was commended for his work by Captain E.J. Hedlam, Commander Royal Indian Marine, Marine Transport Officer, Indian Expeditionary Force, East Africa as follows,

'The assistance and co-operation I received from Captain O'Connor and the officers and crew of the Barjora in bringing off the wounded is deserving of the highest praise.'

With copy of Gazette page.