As always, Forrest, your replies are tremendously valuable to everyone on this list. I particularly enjoyed reading this one, though I have no known DSMs in my Naval ancestors. My greatuncle, William Henry MAY, served in the RN for about thirty years, including a stint during WW I after he had retired in 1907. I was able to obtain his Navy records from TNA some while ago. Another greatuncle, Arthur Henry SAWDON, had previously owned and captained a merchant ship in Whitby, Yorks, the LIBEA (renamed WYFAX), and served during WW II as a merchant ship Captain on the Atlantic Convoys. He was discharged at Glasgow, presumably returning to Whitby from there. That was about the only item about him I could find on TNA, and I don't know if serving on the convoys would entitle anyone to a medal or only if a ship he was on happened to be engaged in enemy action. Though simply serving, with U-boats decimating the convoys, must have been a hair-raising experience and took great courage. My sister met him once, after the war, and says he died peacefully in his sleep at home. I have a tradition of Navy and MM greatuncles, including William Henry Squire WILLCOCKS who served in both, his later service being promoted to Chief Steward of the Claud Hamilton, G.E.R.'s Harwich-Hook flagship, and William Henry LOVELESS who served on numerous ships (have their RN records too.) Regards Martin Willcocks Taylorsville, UT, USA.