The outstanding Second War submariner’s D.S.O. and Second Award Bar

The outstanding Second War submariner’s D.S.O. and Second Award Bar group of seven attributed to Commander P. S. Francis, Royal Navy, who commanded the Proteus in the Mediterranean in 1941-42. Described as having ‘a brain packed in ice’, he cut his teeth in the submarine Talisman in the Channel and Bay of Biscay, in which he undertook clandestine patrols in support of S.O.E. But it was for his gallant command of Proteus that Admiral Sir Henry Harwood was moved to liken his exploits with those of ‘Tubby’ Linton, V.C., and ‘Crap’ Miers, V.C. On one occasion, when caught on the surface, Francis rammed the Italian torpedo boat Sagittario, opening up several of her compartments ‘like a tin-opener’, whilst his torpedo ‘batting average’ of 40% reflected considerable success further afield Distinguished Service Order, G.VI.R., 1st issue, with Second Award Bar, silver-gilt and enamels, the reverse of the lower suspension bar officially dated ‘1942’, the reverse of the Bar officially dated ‘1942’, with integral top riband bar; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star ribbon but mounted with Pacific Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Coronation 1953, unnamed as issued, mounted as worn; together with the related miniature awards, these similarly mounted, and the recipient’s miniature-width riband bar, good very fine (7) £1,600-£2,000.

Estimate:£1,600

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