Full medal write up
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL, G.VI.R. ‘JX. 214991 S. REID A.B, R.N,’ IN ITS CASE OF ISSUE AND INVITATION CARD FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE DSM AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE ON 16TH FEBRUARY 1945.
‘For great gallantry, leadership and devotion to duty in H.M. Ships Sikh and Zulu, and other ships, in the raid on Tobruk in September 1942.’
The original recommendation for an ‘immediate’ award states:
“When Zulu was hit by gunfire this torpedo-man put out an electrical fire shutting off power and restarting the steering motors and by his prompt action the ship was kept under control during the most crucial period”
One of just 8 awards of the D.S.M.’s and 1 Bar to the crews of H.M. Ships Sikh and Zulu, and other ships for gallantry during ‘Operation Agreement’; the raid on Tobruk.
Sidney Reid was born in London circa 1914, later moving to Shrewsbury where he was employed by Motor Union Insurance Company and played Rugby for Shrewsbury Rugby Club. Joining the Royal Navy in August 1940, he served in the Torpedo branch and having been appointed to the Tribal-class destroyer H.M.S. Zulu.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Zulu_(F18)
On 14 September 1942, Reid was present aboard Zulu, which along with its consort; H.M.S. Sikh, formed Force A during the Commando and Special Forces raid on Tobruk, codename ‘Operation Agreement’. These two Destroyers, the only large ships directly involved in the landings were carrying 11 Royal Marine Commando, who they were to land, give covering support to and then retrieve after the raid’s objectives were completed. A smaller force was to be landed east of Tobruk harbour by Motor Launches, covered by Motor Torpedo Boats and 150 SAS were to attack by land.
The assault was a disaster; The Marines were landed on the wrong beach and fire from the shore decimated both landing craft and the Motor Launch force. Both Destroyers were under heavy fire from the off and when Sikh pushed to close to shore, it was itself hit multiple times and disabled. Zulu made several gallant attempts to tow Sikh out but was itself hit multiple times and was at length ordered to retreat under heavy fire.
Eventually joining up with the Cruiser HMS Coventry and covering destroyers out to sea, the force made its way back to Alexsandria but was subjected to relentless attacks from German aircraft. Coventry was severely damaged and then scuttled by Zulu’s torpedo’s, then attention was drawn to Zulu which was itself severely damaged by dive bombers. Taken in tow by one of the other destroyers, shortly after, Zulu itself sank.
Loses from the assault were horrendous, both assaulting destroyers were sunk as was the covering Cruiser. Numerous ML’s. MTB’s and landing craft were additionally lost, and 300 Royal Marines and 160 soldiers were killed and captured; approximately two thirds of the assaulting force. The Royal Navy lost an additional 280 men.
From his recommendation, it is almost certain that his gallant actions were performed during the main assault or when Zulu attempted to save Sikh. This was the only time Zulu was under gunfire, on retreating it was under attack by aircraft.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Agreement
Whether Reid was aboard Zulu during its action with Bismarck in May 1941 and what his service consisted of post Zulu, is as yet unknown, though service during the former is very likely.
Three other D.S.M.’s for Operation Agreement have been located in past sales, all via Noonans but not for some years; These on 26 March 2009, 27 June 2007 and 16 December 2003.
Condition NEF. Sold with copy original D.S.M. Recommendation and newspaper articles on Reid (digital). Also a copy of ‘Massacre at Tobruk’, which gives far more information on Zulu’s part in Operation Agreement. Medal new to the market, being from direct the family.
A very fine and rare D.S.M. for this disastrous Amphibious assault.