A VERY FINE SECOND WAR D-DAY LANDINGS D.S.M. AWARDED TO AN ABLE SEAMAN, WHO’S LANDING CRAFT CARRIED H.Q., 1ST SUFFOLK REGIMENT, PART OF SWORD BEACH’S INITIAL ASSAULT BRIGADE. CRASHING INTO THE BEACH DEFENCES, THE LANDING CRAFTS RAMPS WERE DAMAGED AND UNDER ‘INTENSE ENEMY FIRE’, THIS SEAMAN ENDEAVOURED TO REPAIR THEM

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL, G.VI.R. ‘A.B. D. J. CAMPBELL. D/JX.285748’

D.S.M. London Gazette 14 November 1944: ‘For gallantry, skill and undaunted devotion to duty shown during the landing of Allied Forces on the coast of Normandy in June 1944.’

The recommendation states: ‘Dennis James Campbell, Able Seaman, H.M. L.C.I.(L) 130, 261st Landing Craft Flotilla, S.3 Assault Group. Did expose himself to intense enemy fire while endeavouring to secure damaged ramps to enable troops to disperse from concentrated enemy fire. Did use his own initiative in endeavouring to repair serious underwater damage regardless of his personal safety at all times a source of encouragement to his shipmates.’

LANDING CRAFT INFANTRY (LARGE) 130 ON D-DAY

On D-Day, LCI(L) 130 (Landing Craft Infantry Large), Serial 228 (1 SUFFOLK) carried Battalion Headquarters of the 1st Suffolk Regiment, including the battalion’s 2nd in Command and Beach Groups to Sword Beach on 6 June 1944. 1st Suffolks formed part of 8th Brigade, who along with 2nd East Yorkshire and 1st South Lancashire Regiments were the Sword Beach assault Brigade, ie the first infantry to land on D-Day…………..

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Able Seaman Dennis James Campbell was a native of Glasgow, Scotland. His full service is as yet unknown but he would likely have seen earlier and later landing craft service during the Second War.

Condition GVF, mounted on original investiture pin. Sold with Sold with copied recommendation. See Noonans, Lot 1721, 25 September 2008 for a similar award, though to a LCI(L) that landed over 2 hours later.

A fine D.S.M. to a Able Seaman who showed great gallantry under fire when landing troops of the initial assault waves on Sword Beach.