Naval Long Service & Good Conduct Medal. GVI 1st issue (JX.128793 A. Forsythe P.O. H.M.S. Keppel)

Medal verification: The award of the Naval Long Service & Good Conduct Medal is confirmed per the respective naval medal roll (ref ADM 171/145), which shows that the recipient was issued his medal, on, 30 November 1944, while serving aboard the highly distinguished 'Destroyer' H.M.S. Keppel (his service sheet records that the medal was 'Traced' earlier on, 26 October 1944.

Operation Neptune Normandy Coastline/ Arctic Convoys & Destruction of U-Boats . In the period that Petty Officer Forsyth served aboard H.M.S. Keppel (14 July - 23 January 1945) he served during Operation Neptune (in English Channel n in support of operations along the Normandy coast. Keppl then deployed in support of Arctic Convoys JW 59 (Outward) & RA 59A (Return). During the latter convoy operations Keppel, is confirmed for the joint destructions of enemy U-Boats, U-354 & U-394

Alexander Forsyth, was a native of the parish of St. Mary's, Reading, Berkshire, England, where he was born on, 7 September 1911. Prior to joining the Royal Navy on, 11 December 1926, at which time he was only 15 years of age, Alexander had been employed as a 'General Labourer'. Evidently a model sailor, while still a 'Boy' rating, Alexander served aboard the mighty capital ships H.M.S. Marlborough & H.M.S. Renown. On, 7 September 1927, Alexander extended his service by a period of 12 years. Alender's inter-war services were global, and included service on the China Station 1935-1937, where he served at H.M.S. Tamar II in Hong Kong, and aboard H.M.S. Delight (a Destroyer on the China Station). During the Second World War, Petty Officer served aboard numerous vessels; H.M.S. Manchester (a Light Cruiser, on which Forsyth served in North Sea, Norwegian Sea & Blockade of Germany); H.M.S. Attack (on Admirals Staff); H.M.S. Keppel (Destroyer). Alexander continued to serve post war, and took his discharge from the Royal Navy on, 7 March 1953

HMS Keppel: A 'Destroyer' was a Thornycroft type flotilla leader built for the Royal Navy at the end of the First World War. She saw extensive service in the inter war years and in World War II. She was an effective convoy escort and U-boat killer, being credited with the destruction of no less than five U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic. Keppel's Second World War battle honours included:

- Atlantic 1940-43
- Malta Convoys 1942
- Arctic 1942-45
- Normandy 1944
- English Channel 1944

Two sets of the recipients 'Service Sheets' are extant and held and accessible at The National Archives. These show all of the recipients postings, throughout his entire career, including all postings during the Second World War

Condition: GVF

Code: 22304