AN IMPORTANT SINKING OF THE SCHARNHORST DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS GROUP TO GUNNER PERCIVAL O'KELL HMS SCORPION

AN IMPORTANT SINKING OF THE SCHARNHORST DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS GROUP TO GUNNER PERCIVAL O'KELL HMS SCORPION Percival O'Kell was born in Liverpool in 1908. He joined the Royal Navy on 7th May1929, signing on for seven years. In 1934, O'kell opted for continuous service and was given number D.J.X142469. A Torpedo Gunner Petty Officer on HMS Scorpion, O'kell was awarded the DSC: 'For gallantry, distinguished service and devotion to duty on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet, and in H.M. Ships Duke of York, Belfast, Norfolk, Sheffield, Jamaica, Savage, Saumarez, Scorpion, Musketeer, Matchless, Virago and Opportune during the. action in which the Scharnhorst was engaged and sunk.' The award was announced in the London Gazette on 7th March 1944. H.M.S Belfast commanded by Rear-Admiral Burnett along with H.M.S Norfolk and H.M.S Sheffield protected the convoys. H.M.S. Duke of York and H.M.S Jamaica along with four other destroyers moved into position to block an escape attempt by Scharnhorst. Early on the morning of the 26th of December Scharnhorst encountered Rear-Admiral Burnett force. They were able to hold the Scharnhorst off, and H.M.S Norfolk and H.M.S Sheffield drove her into the force of destroyers. H.M.S Scorpion working in conjunction with Norwegian ship Stroud fired 16 torpedoes at the Scharnhorst hitting her at least once. Scharnhorst was engaged again by H.M.S Duke of York, who had hit her earlier, and was finally sunk. Only 36 survivors were picked up out of a ship's complement of 1970 officers and men. Present with the group is a fascinating stack of Naval Messages. The first-page stating "H.M.S. Scorpion Battle of North Cape Boxing day 1943". The messages detail the run-up to the battle, the firing of torpedoes and survivors of the Scharnhorst being picked up. O'Kell kept a small pocket-sized diary which is included with the group. On the last pages he writes of his experiences during the battle, ' At 1849, Range 100 Torpedo 8 in No One fired. We had the joy of seeing one hit.' Scorpion and the Norwegian ship Stroud fired 16 torpedoes at the Scharnhorst, during the action. With Buckingham Palace Investiture invitation. Photograph of the recipient with sister and mother and Buckingham Palace. Christmas Card sent from HMS Scorpion, souvenir picture of the Scharnhorst DSC is cased and dated 1944 - condition VF (contact marks to reverse) With 1939/45 Star, Atlantic Star with F & G clasp, Africa Star and War Medal, mounted on Bar