Compiled and edited by W.H. Fevyer. Published in Britain by L./B. Haywood and Son, Polstead, Suffolk. This book comprises 163 pages of close typed small print with up to 68 men named per page.

The Distinguished Service Medal was instituted in October for the award to Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officer and men of the Royal navy and to non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Marines. The medal was to be awarded to men who set an example of bravery and resource under fire where the award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal would be inappropriate.

A Bar to the Distinguished Service Medal was introduced by Order in Council dated 27 June 1916. In 1940 non commissioned officer and men of the Royal Air Force serving with the Fleet were added to the selection criteria and in 1943 non commissioned officers and men serving afloat but not with the fleet were made eligible.

1942 saw the addition of non commissioned officers and men of the Army serving in defensively equipped merchant ships, and members of the Merchant Navy equivalent to petty officers or seamen in the Royal Navy.

The Author of this book gives some examples of the actions of men in several occasions. He also advises the places where to look for likely information to an individual’s award.

The recommendations for these awards give the Name of Ship, Full Christian names, Rank or Rating, Official Number and Port or Division, whether already decorated, Or mentioned in Despatchers, Whether the Award was Immediate, Operational or Periodic and particulars of the reasons for the recommendations.