Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Decoration

Oval silver and gilt foliated metal. In the centre of an oval loop of cable, tied at the base in a reef knot, is the royal cypher E II R in gilt. The whole surmounted by a gilt crown. The medal, which is 34mm by 54mm is suspended by a ring from a ribbon, 39mm in width of blue with a central vertical stripe of green which has a narrow vertical stripe of red at either side. The reverse is plain. Fitted to the ribbon is a metal clasp bearing the text 'E II R' surmounted by a crown. This example is a Elizabeth II issue.

Awarded to Lieutenant Commander Kirkwood in 1962.

James Kirkwood, born 27 March 1922, joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) in 1942. After undergoing training, Kirkwood was appointed First Lieutenant to LCT 706 based at Southampton, where he underwent further training for the invasion of France. On 5 June 1944, First Lieutenant Kirkwood embarked for Normandy on LCT 706, carrying a contingent of the 13th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, part of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, who were destined for the 'Nan' Sector of Juno Beach. 'On D-Day, we were supposed to beach on the flood tide about 11.00, but because of the clutter on the beach due to the assault landing units falling victim to the German beach defences, we were forced to stand off until the beaches were cleared and await further instructions' recalled Kirkwood. After disembarking the Canadian artillery unit, Kirkwood and LCT 706 returned to Portsmouth and continued ferrying reinforcements to Normandy until October 1944, averaging five trips per week.

1961