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The collection contains papers relating to coastal motor torpedo boats and their operations during World War II; folder entitled 'Normandy 1944' by Lieutenant Commander Peter Scott; accounts of coastal forces actions 1939-1945. Three photograph albums: cutting on the coastal motor boat attack on Bolshevist battleships in the Gulf of Finland, 1919, in which Giddy was captured; photographs of Grand Fleet experiences 1916-1921 and photographs of Second World War experiences. Photographs include personal experiences, images of dogs at sea, battleships and crew members.

Administrative / biographical background
Osman Cyril Horton Giddy, took part, aged 19, in a naval engagement in the Gulf of Finland to sink Bolshevist warships. Giddy was Sub- Lieutenant in coastal motor boats which sank a Bolshevist dreadnought, and old battleship and a submarine depot ship. In January 1913 he trained at Osborne remaining there for two years and was made a Cadet Captain. He then spend a year at Royal Naval Training College, Dartmouth. In 1916 he joined the Grand Fleet in the MINOTAUR as midshipman, and was also present at the Battle of Jutland. He was appointed to a 'P' boat, which he remained in until the Armistice was signed, then appointed to the WINDSOR and transferred to OSEA for special service with the coastal motor-boats. Giddy left for the Baltic on 15 July 1919 and went to almost certain death in the heroic attack. Seventeen of the crew were killed when the battle-cruiser PETROPAVLOVSK, the battleship ANDREI PERVOZANNI, and a submarine depot ship were sank. Four boats went into action, only two returned from Kronstadt Harbour. Giddy was taken prisoner, but was released and returned after eight months confinement. He was awarded the DSC on 23 September 1919 in recognition of his bravery. He was placed on the retired list on 25 November 1921 and was promoted Lieutenant-Commander in 1928. He joined the DAEDALUS in 1939, taking part in World War II. Giddy retired from the Navy on 26 November 1945. His service record can be found via the National Archives' Documents Online: ADM 196/147 and ADM 196/123. Please contact archive staff for more information about ordering from this collection.