Distinguished Service Medal GVIR (JX.130397 G.P. WILLIAMS. P.O.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45 Queens Korea Medal (D/JX. 130397 G.P. WILLIAMS D.S.M. C.P.O. R.N.); United Nations Korea Medal; Royal Navy Long Service & Good Conduct Medal GVIR (JX.130397 G.P. WILLIAMS. P.O. H.M.S. NIMROD)
Gerald Prance Williams was born in Plymouth, Devon in 1911. He enlisted with the Royal Navy in 1929 and saw service aboard, principally, the Osprey and Nimrod WWII.
He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in the LG of 25 August 1942 "For Bravery and Enterprise while serving in H.M. Ships, Transports and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries in the successful operation which led to the surrender of the important base of Diego Suarez" - this was whilst he was aboard HMS Active. His LSGCM was awarded to him on 1 August 1944.
The Battle of Madagscar - the French forces surrendered Diego Suarez to the British on May 7, 1942, during the Battle of Madagascar in World War II after the British formed an expeditionary force in the UK, including the Royal Marine Division and the 29 Independent Infantry Brigade which, on May 5, 1942, landed at Diego Suarez. The French forces, including French, Foreign Legion, and Senegalese troops, put up fierce resistance after Commandos were dropped ashore west of Diego Suarez, with air support from carriers. It was to no avail with the French defenders capitulating on May 7.
Williams later went on to serve with the RN in Korea before being given a free discharge on compassionate grounds on 30 May 1957 at which point his home address was 7 Benares Road, Plumstead, Woolwich.
He passed away in October 1990 in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England
Suspension bar on DSM slightly bent. Sold with some copied research.
