WW2 D.E.M.S Certificate.

1st Regt.Maritime Royal Artillery service certificate to 1528690 Lance Sgt.Strauss.H. ( 27 ) for service on D.E.M.S ( Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships). D.E.M.S. was an Admiralty Trade Division programme established in June 1939, to arm 5,500 British merchant ships with an adequate defence against enemy submarines and aircraft. DEMS guns were manned by 24,000 Royal Navy personnel and 14,000 men of the Royal Artillery Maritime Regiment many being retired military personnel and young Hostilities Only ratings, commanded by a petty officer or Royal Marine sergeant. Uncommon with some foxing and marking.

Code: 11218