A fine WW2 Submarines DSM group with NGS Palestine & LSGC. awarded for Norway 1940, second battle of Narvik , HMS Triad, penetrating Oslo Fiord torpedoing and sinking a 4,000 ton supply ship. later killed in action still with HMS Triad in a submarine v submarine action with the Italian ‘Enrico Toti’

D.S.M. (GV1- CERA2 H.M.S. Triad), B.W.M. (B. Art.),(his sole entitlement),  N.G.S. Palestine 1936-39 (ERA.1. R.N.), 1939/45 Star, Africa Star, War Medal, Naval L.S.G.C. coinage head (ERA.1. H.M.S. Lucia).

John Gibson Buchanan

D.S.M. L.G. 28/6/1940 ‘In recognition of daring, endurance and resource in the conduct of hazardous and successful operations in His  Majesty’s submarines against the enemy.’

On 11 April, 1940 Triad sank the 4,000 ton German troop transport ‘Ionia’ in the Skaggerrak, south of Oslofjord. She sank at 0705 after an attempt to take her in tow failed. Triad was then hunted by A/S trawlers during the whole day.

From the Fleetwood Chronicle, 14 July, 1941

‘Hero’s medal for Widow

Mrs. Mildred Helena  Buchanan has been to Buckingham palace to receive the Distinguished Service Medal awarded to her husband Mr John Gibson Buchanan for devotion to duty and distinguished conduct inhazardous operations off Norway and is presumed to have lost his life whilst serving in HM Submarine Triad in October. His widow and 6 year old son, david, live at Thonington, Colchester. David accompanied his mother to Buckingham palace where he had the privilege with Mrs Buchanan  of shaking hands hands with HM The King. mr Buchanan was 39 years of age and had served in Submarines for nearly 20 years, he would have retired last March but for the war.

His Distinguished  Service Medal was awarded for his services in the Second Battle of Narvik when Triad penetrated Oslo Fiord and torpedoed  and sank a 4,000 ton supply ship. A native of Scotland Mr Buchanan came to Thornton as a boy , was educated at Baine’s Grammer  School  and entered the Royal Navy as Bot Artificer.’

At  01.00 on 15th October, 1940, the Italian submarine Enrico toti sighted a large submarine 1,000 meters to port (Triad) : both submarines manoeuvred into attack positions. Italian accoun ts claim the British opened fire first but Triad’s shells missed. She also fired a torpedo which was avoided . As the British submarine started to dive  the Italian submarine fired a torpedo and hit the Triad with 2 x 120 mm shells. Triad rose vertically  then disappeared without survivors.

This was Triad’s 13th war patrol.

Buchanan was born in Glasgow, 1901  joined the Navy 1916 as a Boy. His BWM being his sole entitlement

Superb submarines group. dark toned and old mounting as for wear.