Noble Numismatics Pty Ltd
Auction 125 24-27 Nov 2020
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DSM GROUP OF FIVE: Distinguished Service Medal (GVIR Indiae Imp); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, - clasp - North Africa 1942-43; Atlantic Star, - clasp - France and Germany; War Medal 1939-45. A/A.B. J.Molyneux. D/JX.334134 on first medal, other medals unnamed as issued. The named medal engraved. Display mounted on cardboard sheet with printed details, a small photograph and a copy of a letter advising of the award, toned, the last medal with some spotting, otherwise very fine - extremely fine.
Together with an S.S.Ranchi pin-back brooch in gilt and enamel.
DSM: LG 11/7/1944, p3238 to Acting Able Seaman James Molyneux, D/JX.334134 (Wigan).
The S.S.Ranchi was a P&O passenger line converted to a troopship and armed merchant cruiser during WWII. She was part of convoy KMF26 sailing from Gourock, Scotland on 15 November 1943 through the Mediterranean to Port Said. The convoy commodore was on board the Ranchi. On 26 November the convoy was attacked by 25 to 30 He177 aircraft escorted by Ju88s and using glider bombs followed by torpedo carrying aircraft. One of the convoy, the Rohna, was hit by a glider bomb and she was abandoned and sank with the loss of over 1,000 American troops out of 2,000 being transported as well as 5 officers and 115 Asiatic ratings of her crew of 195. A second attack was launched on 29 November north of Benghazi when 15 Ju88s dive bombed the convoy. Ranchi was struck with a bomb forward which went through the wooden deck house, through the deck and cut through the side before exploding. One soldier was killed and three wounded. James Molyneux's DSM was the only award from this action.
With research including a photograph in civilian life.
Together with an S.S.Ranchi pin-back brooch in gilt and enamel.
DSM: LG 11/7/1944, p3238 to Acting Able Seaman James Molyneux, D/JX.334134 (Wigan).
The S.S.Ranchi was a P&O passenger line converted to a troopship and armed merchant cruiser during WWII. She was part of convoy KMF26 sailing from Gourock, Scotland on 15 November 1943 through the Mediterranean to Port Said. The convoy commodore was on board the Ranchi. On 26 November the convoy was attacked by 25 to 30 He177 aircraft escorted by Ju88s and using glider bombs followed by torpedo carrying aircraft. One of the convoy, the Rohna, was hit by a glider bomb and she was abandoned and sank with the loss of over 1,000 American troops out of 2,000 being transported as well as 5 officers and 115 Asiatic ratings of her crew of 195. A second attack was launched on 29 November north of Benghazi when 15 Ju88s dive bombed the convoy. Ranchi was struck with a bomb forward which went through the wooden deck house, through the deck and cut through the side before exploding. One soldier was killed and three wounded. James Molyneux's DSM was the only award from this action.
With research including a photograph in civilian life.