Watch List notes:

A Fine Battle of Jutland and 'Q-Ships' D.S.M. Group of 5 awarded to Leading Seaman Thomas Robinson Cunningham, who served aboard H.M.S. Warrior at Jutland, where she was severely damaged and eventually sank, and later served aboard the 'Q-Ships' Heather, Stock Force and Suffolk Coast, as a long-standing member of Lieutenant Harold Auten V.C.'s crew on all three ships. Leading Seaman Cunningham received an M.i.D. whilst aboard Stock Force during its engagement with and sinking of UB-80 on 30 July 1918, for which Auten was recommended for the Victoria Cross. Despite the crew's best attempts, Stock Force eventually sank from the damage it received from the initial impact of the U-boat's torpedo, comprising: Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (J.7483. T.R. Cunningham, Ldg. Sea. English Channel. 30th July. 1918.); 1914-15 Star (J.7483, T. R. Cunningham, A.B. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.7483 T. R. Cunningham. L.S. R.N.), the latter with bronze M.i.D. spray of oak leaves; Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct, G.V.R. (J.7483 T. R. Cunningham. L.S. H.M.S. Hood); Group swing mounted on bar with reverse brooch pin, proudly polished, particularly to the obverse sides of each medal, contact marks and small nicks, fine to good fine (5). M.i.D.: London Gazette: 2 November 1917 – 'for services in action with enemy submarines'; D.S.M.: London Gazette: 14 September 1918 – 'for services in action with enemy submarines'. Leading Seaman Thomas Robinson Cunningham (1894-1959) was born on 23 February 1894 at Castlereagh, Down, Northern Ireland, and he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 12 February 1910, just before his 16th birthday. He signed on as an Ordinary Seaman on 23 February 1912, and was promoted to Able Seaman six months later. During WWI he served aboard H.M.S. London until 11 February 1915, and then aboard Warrior, during which time he took part in the Battle of Jutland. During this famous sea-battle, and the strategic British victory which kept the German fleet largely in port thereafter, the Warrior suffered severe damage, being hit by some 21 German shells, causing widespread fires and flooding. Her crew were able to keep her engines running long enough for her to withdraw, and for her crew to be evacuated, before she finally sank in the North Sea. After Jutland he appears to have volunteered for 'Special Service' aboard Q-Ships, the clandestinely armoured trawlers and merchantmen designed to entrap and destroy German U-Boats (for a detailed description of Q-Ship tactics, see lot 193). He first served aboard Q-16 or H.M.S. Heather, between 11 October 1916 and 14 December 1917, during what may be considered the height of the U-Boat 'War'. During this period as part of the crew of Heather (which later fell under the command of Lieutenant Harold Auten, D.S.C., V.C., as of April 1917), he was given a 'mention in despatches' for 'services in action with enemy submarines.' Remaining a part of Lieutenant Auten's trusted crew aboard H.M.S. Stockforce on 15 December 1917, and now as a Leading Seaman, he took part in the famous 'V.C. Action' against the German U-Boat UB-80 on 30 July 1918, for which Lieutenant Auten won his Victoria Cross. Stockforce was struck by a torpedo to the forward bulkhead, causing tremendous damage. As she settled in the water, and after the 'panic party' was launched to her boats, UB80 was eventually drawn closer by the returning boats to just 300 yards away from Stockforce's port beam. Opening fire at 5.40pm her revealed guns swiftly carried away one periscope, destroyed the conning tower, and ripped a hole in the U-Boats hull, continuing to fire as she rapidly sank stern first below the waves. Stockforce herself remained afloat until 9.25pm, but eventually sank with her white ensign still flying – her crew having been safely evacuated. For this action Lieutenant Auten was awarded the Victoria Cross, and for his part, Leading Seaman Cunningham was awarded the D.S.M., which forms part of his group. Once again changing ships, he followed Lieutenant Auten on H.M.S. Suffolk Coast on 3 September 1918 until 11 February 1919. After the Great War he remained in service, being promoted to acting Petty Officer on 28 April 1928, and then discharged on 28 August 1928. He appears to have re-entered naval service on 22 November 1934 as Petty Officer (Pensioner Instructor). P.O. Cunningham's service papers record some scarring around his eyes and face, and whilst speculative, it is highly likely that he received these injuries on active service, either at Jutland, or during his time aboard Q-Ships. In his personal life he married Ethel Chapman at Devonport in 1927, and he died on 21 December 1959 at City Hospital Belfast, at the age of 65.