Lot Essay
D.S.M. London Gazette 8.9.42. Recommendation states 'For leadership and outstanding example as Captain of 'X' Turret. When the ammunition hoists jammed, Sergeant Jelf kept his turret in action and personally cleared the jam'.
Sergeant George Frederick Jelf, D.S.M., was decorated for services aboard the Cruiser H.M.S. Cleopatra in 'Operation M.G.1', a March 1942 Malta-bound convoy that encountered heavy resistance, a Destroyer and three Merchantmen eventually being lost, and Cleopatra sustaining a number of fatalaties when her Air Defence Position was hit by a six-inch shell. The most ferocious opposition encountered was that of 22.3.1942, when the enemy launched a continuous assault from the air, from 9 a.m. until dusk. At the same time, the Italian Navy made two attempts to cut off the convoy, on the first occasion with a force of four Cruisers and later with one Battleship and five Cruisers - both attacks were 'frustrated by rigorous offensive action', the enemy being engaged with gunfire and torpedoes and being compelled to retreat.
Invested with his Decoration at Buckingham Palace in November 1943 - see accompanying photograph - Jelf went on to win further distinction with a Mention in Despatches for his services while attached to the personnel of H.M.S. Turtle in 'Operation Wind Up' (London Gazette 11.12.1945 refers). Turtle was actually a 'Stone Frigate' at Hamworthy on the outskirts of Poole, and a base that specialised in Close Fire Support Craft and Landing Craft activities, a role that suggests Jelf may have been involved in the Normandy and Walcheren landings, and possibly as a member of a Royal Marine Commando. Interestingly, the name Turtle has more recently been associated with the S.B.S.
Sergeant George Frederick Jelf, D.S.M., was decorated for services aboard the Cruiser H.M.S. Cleopatra in 'Operation M.G.1', a March 1942 Malta-bound convoy that encountered heavy resistance, a Destroyer and three Merchantmen eventually being lost, and Cleopatra sustaining a number of fatalaties when her Air Defence Position was hit by a six-inch shell. The most ferocious opposition encountered was that of 22.3.1942, when the enemy launched a continuous assault from the air, from 9 a.m. until dusk. At the same time, the Italian Navy made two attempts to cut off the convoy, on the first occasion with a force of four Cruisers and later with one Battleship and five Cruisers - both attacks were 'frustrated by rigorous offensive action', the enemy being engaged with gunfire and torpedoes and being compelled to retreat.
Invested with his Decoration at Buckingham Palace in November 1943 - see accompanying photograph - Jelf went on to win further distinction with a Mention in Despatches for his services while attached to the personnel of H.M.S. Turtle in 'Operation Wind Up' (London Gazette 11.12.1945 refers). Turtle was actually a 'Stone Frigate' at Hamworthy on the outskirts of Poole, and a base that specialised in Close Fire Support Craft and Landing Craft activities, a role that suggests Jelf may have been involved in the Normandy and Walcheren landings, and possibly as a member of a Royal Marine Commando. Interestingly, the name Turtle has more recently been associated with the S.B.S.