Distinguished Service Cross, (EIIR)., reverse officially dated ‘1952’, hallmarks for London 1952, 1939/45 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43, Defence Medal, War Medal, Korea, 1st issue (Lieut. , D.S.C. R.N.), U.N. Korea 1950-54, lacquered, generally nearly very fine or better (8) £3,000-£4,000
D.S.C. London Gazette 30 September 1952:
‘For distinguished service in operations in Korean Waters.’
John Gabriel Cavendish Harvey was born in 1922, and was appointed Sub Lieutenant (A), Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in October 1942. Having passed through H.M.S. St. Vincent for aircrew selection, he was subsequently posted as an Observer to 813 Squadron at H.M.S. Cormorant. Harvey was posted for operational service with the Squadron, November 1942 – August 1943. Including in Swordfish on torpedo spotter reconnaissance as part of ‘Y’ Flight based at Tafaraoui, Algeria. He later served with 826 Squadron
Harvey advanced to Lieutenant (A) in August 1944, and served as an Observer with 711 Squadron based at H.M.S. Jackdaw.
Harvey served as 812 Squadron’s Senior Observer during the Korean War. Operating in Fireflies from the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Glory. On 23 April 1951 H.M.S. Glory arrived in Korean waters to start her first of three operational tours, taking over from H.M.S. Theseus. Her arrival coincided with the Chinese Spring Offensive and the two squadrons operating from Glory, 804 Squadron flying Sea Furies, and 812 Squadron flying Fireflies, were immediately in action. Harvey received his award of the D.S.C. for his service in many offensive operations during H.M.S. Glory’s Second Tour of operations in Korean Waters from 27 January – 5 May 1952. On one day, 17 March, the aircraft from Glory launched a record 105 sorties suffering the loss of three aircraft to enemy action plus a good number damaged. They were engaged with armed reconnaissances, close air support, strafing attacks, strikes on enemy positions, as well as escort and spotting flights over the course of the 5 month tour.
‘Glory’s second patrol started on 11th May, the Sea Furies were soon busy on AR details, attacking targets of opportunity, and on the 13th May, ox-carts became legitimate targets, as the enemy began using them to transport ammunition.
On 3rd June, Glory sailed for her Third Patrol, she relieved U.S.S. Bataan, and flying started on 4th June, with the Furies going into action against junks, at Hanchon and Kumsan-ni. Sorties continued throughout the patrol.
For H.M.S. Glory’s second and third tours in Korean Waters, six Observer officers and Ratings were recognised for their distinguished service in air operations. Five were Mentioned in Despatches and Harvey alone was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross. He was presented with his award at an investiture on 10 March 1953. Harvey was appointed to 703 Squadron in March 1952 serving at H.M.S. Peregrine, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander (A) in August 1952. Subsequent service included at H.M.S. Gannet and with H.M.S. Ark Royal.
Lieutenant Commander Harvey retired in 1958, and resided in later life at Crowborough, East Sussex. He died in March 2008.
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