Sinking of the Scharnhorst Distinguished Service Medal group to A/Ldg. Smn. R. Nightingale. P/JX. 223023 of HMS Sheffield

Roy Nightingale was a resident of Darwen in Lancashire.

Leading Seaman Nightingale was serving on H.M.S Sheffield, when British Intelligence intercepted orders transmitted to the Scharnhorst, tasking her to intercept and destroy the Arctic Convoy vessels  JW 55B and RA55A.

H.M.S Belfast commanded by Rear-Admiral Burnett along with H.M.S Norfolk and H.M.S Sheffield protected the convoys. H.M.S. Duke of York and H.M.S Jamaica along with four other destroyers moved into position to block an escape attempt by Scharnhorst. Early on the morning of the 26^th of December Scharnhorst encountered  Rear-Admiral Burnett force. They were able to hold the Scharnhorst off and H.M.S Norfolk and H.M.S Sheffield drove her into the force of destroyers. H.M.S Scorpion working in conjunction with Norwegian ship Stroud fired 16 torpedoes at the Scharnhorst hitting her at least once.  Scharnhorst was engaged again by H.M.S  Duke of York, who had hit her earlier, and was finally sunk. Only 36 survivors were picked up out of a ship's complement of 1970 officers and men

D.S.M. London Gazette 7.3.1944;

'For gallantry, distinguished service and devotion to duty on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet, and in H.M. Ships Duke of York, Belfast, Norfolk, Sheffield, Jamaica, Savage, Suamarez, Scorpion, Musketeer, Matchless, Virago and Opportune during the action in which the Scharnhorst was engaged and sunk’

Sold with Admiralty Letter informing the recipient of the award

Letter of congratulations from Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Burnett, K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O.,

Copy photograph of recipient in uniform.

Swing mounted as worn

DSM correctly engraved = A/Ldg. Smn. R. Nightingale. P/JX. 223023

1939 /45 Star unnamed as issued

Atlantic Star unnamed as issued

End of War unnamed as issued

Condition = GVF