The Conspicuous Service Cross was awarded to warrant and subordinate officers of the Royal Navy who were ineligible for the Distinguished Service Order. In October 1914 it was renamed the Distinguished Service Cross and awarded to all naval officers below the rank of lieutenant commander. This example has the George VI GRI cypher on the obverse and the engraved inscription "CAPT. G. MACD. DOBBIE/(S.S. COUNTESS OF MAR)/FOR SINKING ENEMY SUBMARINE/6TH MAY/1917" above hallmarks on the reverse. The medal is mounted as originally worn as a single medal. The Countess of Mar was an armored merchant ship that was formerly of the Gascony Steamship Co. commandeered for military duty. The German submarine believed to have been sunk was UC 36, which was responsible for sinking 18 ships. On August 4, 1917, the Countess of Mar was torpedoed and sunk with all hands.

Very good with moderate wear on the stained ribbon.