AWARDS of the GEORGE
CROSS, ALBERT MEDAL and EMPIRE GALLANTRY MEDAL
Contents
(in date order
– action or gazetted. Click name to go to entry)
6 Sep 39, Radio Officer James Turner MN, SS Manaar
16 Oct 39, Cdr Richard Jolly RN, HMS Mohawk
14 Mar 40, Sub Lt Alexander Hodge RNVR, HMS Eagle
29 Apr 40, Lt John Niven Low RN and Able Seaman Henry Miller,
HM S/M Unity
20 Sep 40, Sub Lt
Richard Moore RNVR, HMS President
21 Sep 40, Lt Cdr Richard Ryan RN
and CPO Reginald Ellingworth, HMS Vernon
27 Sep 40, 2nd Hand John Mitchell
RNR,
Iceland
30 Sep 40, Sub Lt William Taylor RNVR, HMS Vernon
9 Oct 40, Lt Robert Selby Armitage RNVR, HMS Vernon
17 Oct 40, Sub Lt Jack Easton RNVR and Ordinary Seaman Bennett
Southwell, HMS Vernon
28 Nov 40, Lt Harold Newgass
RNVR, HMS President
1 Dec 40, Sub Lt Francis Brooke-Smith
RNR, HMS Drake
1 Dec 40, Able Seaman Alfred Miles, HMS Saltash
20 Dec 40, Sub Lt Peter Danckwerts RNVR
21 Dec 40, Lt Geoffrey Turner RNVR, HMS Vernon
27 Dec
40,
Sub Lt John Babington RNVR, HMS President
14 Jan 41, Sub Lt John Miller RNVR, HMS President and Able
Seaman Stephen Tuckwell, HMS Vernon
29 Jan 41, Cadet David Hay
RNR, SS Eurylochus
17 Apr 41, Lt Ernest Gidden RNVR, HMS President
1 May 41, 2nd Officer Robert Finlayson MN and Able Seaman Richard Hamilton MN
5 May 41, Ordinary Seaman Albert Howarth RN, HMS
Foresight
20 Jun 41, Bombardier Henry Reed, 1 Maritime AA Regt, SS Cormount,
1 Sep 41, Lt Cdr William Hiscock RN, HMS St Angelo
22 Sep 41, Lt John Gibbons RNVR,
CO, ML.144
15 Jan 42, Lt George Goodman RNVR, HMS Vernon and HMS Nile
17 Mar 42, 3rd Engineer George Newbery MN
22 Mar 42, Lt Dennis Copperwheat RN, HMS Penelope
16 Apr 42, Able
Seaman Albert Shearing MN
1 Jun 42, Lt John Mould RANVR, HMS Vernon
8 Aug 42, Apprentice Donald
Clarke MN, MT San Emiliano,
12 Aug 42, Capt Dudley
Mason MN, Master, MT Ohio
12 Aug 42, PO Cook Charles Walker,
destroyer, Malta convoy ‘Pedestal’
12 Aug 42, Apprentice John Gregson MN
14 Sep 42, Chief Officer James
Reeves MN, MT Atheltemplar
27 Oct 42, Surgeon William Chisholm MN
30 Oct 42, Lt Francis Fasson RN, Able Seaman Colin Grazier,
HMS Petard
25 Dec 42, Lt Hugh Syme RANVR,
HMS Vernon
3 Jan 43, Boatswain William McCarthy RN, HMS Nile
10 Jan 43, Able Seaman Eynon Hawkins, SS British Dominion
26 Jan 43, Leading Seaman William Goad, HMS Ashanti
19 Mar 43, Chief Officer George Stronach MN, SS Ocean Voyager
30 Mar 43, 2nd Engineer Gordon Bastian MN, SS Empire Bowman
12 Jun 43, Lt Leon Goldsworthy RANVR, HMS Vernon
3 Jul 43, Able Seaman David McRae MN
31 Aug 43,
Lt John Bridge RNVR, HMS Elissa
13 Oct 43, Warrant Electrician Ernest Wooding RCNVR
23 Nov 43, Stoker Donald Dale, HMNZS Achilles
12
Sep 44,
Stoker 2nd Class Charles Pethebridge RANR
1939
6 September 1939 Radio Officer James Turner MN, cargo
ship SS Manaar, torpedoed and sunk by U.38 (Liebe) in North Atlantic, 120 miles
off Capt St Vincent in 38.28N, 10.50W. Saved two men from the sea under fire. Awarded
Empire Gallantry Medal, gazetted 13 October 1939.
The London Gazette - The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the Award of the Medal of the Civil
Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for Gallantry, to the
undermentioned:
James
Gordon Melville Turner, Radio‑Officer, S.S. "Manaar” (Messrs. T.
& J. Brocklebank).
When
the S.S. “Manaar" was attacked by an enemy submarine there was no summons to
stop. About ten shots were fired before the ship was abandoned after twenty or
thirty minutes. Three shells were fired, one of which took away the fore‑part
of the wheelhouse and probably the wireless aerial. Rapid shrapnel followed.
Some of the men in the boats were injured by gunfire.
The
Radio‑Officer was inadvertently left behind in the ship with two members
of the native crew, one severely wounded and the other injured. His shipmates called
to him to come down and join them in the Master's boat, but he refused to leave
the ship until the two other members of the crew could be rescued. He tried to
lower a lifeboat, but the falls jammed and then suddenly ran out, so that the
boat crashed into the water and filled. He carried the severely wounded Lascar
to another boat, and was about to lower it when the boat was blown to pieces,
with the wounded man inside. He then swam out to the waterlogged boat and
pulled her alongside. The injured Lascar then went down the rope into the boat,
which was cut adrift, and joined the Master's boat. All this was done under
fire.’
16 October 1939 Cdr Richard Jolly RN, CO destroyer
HMS Mohawk, ship was bombed and badly damaged by German aircraft off May Island in the Firth of Forth. Badly wounded but continued
in command and died of his wounds. Posthumously awarded Empire Gallantry Medal,
gazetted 23 December 1939.
The London Gazette - The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the posthumous Award of the
Medal of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for Gallantry, to the late:
Commander
Richard Frank Jolly, R.N.
Commander
Jolly's gallantry consisted of the bringing of his ship into harbour when he
himself was mortally wounded. H.M.S. Mohawk had been attacked by an enemy
aircraft and had suffered a large number of casualties. Commander Jolly, who
was on the bridge, was severely wounded in the stomach but refused to leave the
bridge or allow himself to be attended to; he continued to direct the Mohawk
for a 35‑mile passage home which lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes. He was too
weak for his orders to be heard, but these were repeated by his wounded
Navigating Officer. He was repeatedly invited to go down to receive medical attention
but he refused saying "Leave me - go and look after the others".
Having brought his ship into port, Commander Jolly rang off the main engines
and immediately collapsed. He died some five hours after being landed.
1940
14 March 1940 Sub Lt Alexander Hodge RNVR, aircraft
carrier
HMS Eagle in the
Bay
of Bengal, bomb exploded in
bomb room killing 13 and mortally wounding another.Played major part in rescue
work. Awarded Empire Gallantry Medal, gazetted 02 August 1940.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following Award:
The
Medal of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British
Empire, for Gallantry
Sub‑Lieutenant
Alexander Mitchell Hodge, R.N.V.R.
H.M.
Ship in which Sub‑Lieutenant Hodge was serving was badly damaged by an explosion
in a bomb‑room. The bomb‑room was in darkness, full of heat and
fumes,and smoke rising to the main deck suggested fire below.
Sub‑Lieutenant
Hodge had no knowledge of the behaviour of bombs in great heat or violent movement.
When the explosion occurred he at once left the main deck and went into the
bomb‑room. He examined this and was able to rescue and send up several
badly injured men. . He found one of the wounded men crushed under two very heavy
bombs, which could not be moved single‑handed. Obtaining help, he dragged
the wounded man clear, and sent him up.
Sub‑lieutenant
Hodge did not go on deck until he had satisfied himself that no one was left
alive below.
Throughout
he showed outstanding courage, enterprise and resource, without any thought for
himself. He saved all the lives he could though, for all he knew, further fatal
explosions might have occurred at any moment.
29 April 1940 Lt John Niven Low RN and
Able Seaman Henry Miller, HM S/M Unity,
sunk in collision with Norwegian SS Atle Jarle in the North Sea, off Blyth. Gave their lives to save others. Both posthumously
awarded Empire Gallantry Medal, gazetted 16 August 1940.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the following posthumous Awards
for gallantry in one of H.M. Submarines:
The
Medal of the Military division of the Most Excellent Order of the British
Empire, for Gallantry.
The
late Lieutenant John Niven Angus Low, Royal Navy, H.M. Submarines.
The
late Able Seaman Henry James Miller, P/J.55387, H.M. Submarines.
20 September
1940 Sub Lt Richard Moore RNVR,
HMS President (London) Bomb and Mine Disposal B&MD. Described as
having ‘no practical training’, he nevertheless disarmed mines ‘in an
emergency’ during the Blitz, including a damaged one in Dagenham, Essex on this
date. Awarded George Cross, gazetted 27 December 1940.
The London Gazette -
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the
award of the GEORGE CROSS for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty
to:
Temporary
Sub-Lieutenant (Sp) Richard Valentine Moore R.N.V.R.
21 September
1940 Lt Cdr Richard Ryan RN
and CPO Reginald Ellingworth, HMS Vernon, Rendering Mines Safe team. Defused
mines during the Blitz, both killed tackling a parachute mine in Dagenham,
Essex on this date. Posthumously awarded George Cross, gazetted 20 December
1940.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the GEORGE
CROSS, for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty, to:
Lieutenant‑Commander
Richard John Hammersley Ryan, Royal Navy.
Chief
Petty Officer Reginald Vincent Ellingworth, P/J.26011.
27 September
1940 2nd Hand John Mitchell RNR. Dived into freezing water in an Icelandic harbour to
save two men. Awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 29 April 1941.
The London Gazette - His
Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve the following Award:
For
gallantry in saving life at sea:
The
Albert Medal.
Acting
Second Hand John Henry Mitchell, LT/JX.173154, R.N.R.
On
27th
September, 1940, Chief Engineman Wedderburn fell
into the sea. between two trawlers in harbour. He could not swim, and was soon
unconscious. An unknown seaman, who jumped in to save him was soon in
difficulties. Mitchell, hearing his shouts, clambered over a vessel to the
quay, ran 100 yards, climbed across two other ships and jumped into the water.
He seized Wedderburn, who was sinking, by the hair, and held up the other man
until a rope was passed down from the trawler. This he secured with a bowline
round the now helpless seaman, using one hand, while he supported both men and
himself by gripping the rope with his teeth. The seaman was then hauled out of
the water by the men in the trawler. Mitchell, although fully clad, and wearing
sea boots, supported Wedderburn by treading water until a pilot ladder could be
lowered. He made the rope fast round Wedderburn, and steadied him as he was
hauled out. He had been in very cold water for 35 minutes, and was unconscious
when rescued
.
30 September
1940 Sub Lt William Taylor RNVR,
HMS Vernon, Rendering Mines Safe and Port Clearance. Defused mines in the
Blitz, notably in September and October 1940, including a bomb at RAF Depot
Uxbridge. Awarded George Cross, gazetted 14 January 1941.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS for
great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty, to:
Probationary
Temporary Sub‑Lieutenant William Horace Taylor, R.N.V.R.
9 October 1940 Lt Robert Selby Armitage RNVR, HMS
Vernon, Bomb Disposal and Rendering Mines Safe. Defused mines in the Blitz,
notably in September and October 1940, including a mine in Orpington Kent. Awarded George Cross, gazetted 27 December
1940. Also later received
George Medal.
The London Gazette -
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the
award of the GEORGE CROSS for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty
to:
Temporary
Lieutenant Robert Selby Armitage R.N.V.R.
17 October 1940
Sub Lt Jack Easton RNVR and
Ordinary Seaman Bennett Southwell, HMS Vernon,
Bomb Disposal/Rendering Mines Safe team. During the Blitz, attended an
unexploded bomb at Hoxton, East
London which exploded badly
injuring Lt Easton and killing OS Southwell. Both awarded George Cross,
gazetted 23 January 1941.
The London Gazette -
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the
posthumous award of the GEORGE CROSS for great gallantry and undaunted devotion
to duty to:
Ordinary Seaman Bennett Southwell, P/JX.204557
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the
award of the GEORGE CROSS for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty
to:
Probationary Temporary Sub-Lieutenant Jack Maynard
Cholmondeley Easton, R.N.V.R.
28 November
1940 Lt Harold Newgass RNVR,
HMS President, Rendering Mines Safe. Defused mines during the Blitz, on this
date tackled mine which had fallen into a gas holder in Garston Gas Works
Liverpool. Awarded George Cross, gazetted 4 March 1941.
The London Gazette -
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the
award of the GEORGE CROSS for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty
to:
Temporary Lieutenant Harold Reginald Newgass,
R.N.V.R.
1 December 1940 Sub Lt Francis Brooke-Smith
RNR, HMS Drake, Bomb Disposal. Bomb disposal during the
Blitz, in December, dealt with bomb in particularly dangerous position in
fire-float ‘Firefly’ on the Manchester
Ship Canal. Awarded George Cross, gazetted 27 June 1941.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the Award of the GEORGE CROSS, for
great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty, to:
Sub‑Lieutenant
Francis Haffey Brooke Smith, R.N.R.
1 December 1940 Able Seaman Alfred Miles, minesweeping
sloop
HMS Saltash. Lost his hand saving the life of a shipmate during a mooring
accident in Grimsby Docks. Awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 29 April 1941.
The London Gazette - His
Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve the following Award:
For gallantry in saving life at sea:
The Albert Medal
Able
Seaman Alfred Miles, P/ 23965.
On
1st December. 1940, when H.M.S. Saltash was passing from one dock basin to
another, a wire was run out from the starboard bow to the weather corner of
the gate so as to hold the bow up to the wind. The wire was taken to the
windlass, but this was too slow, and men were picking up the slack by band, leaving
some loose turns on the deck. As the ship drew level the order was passed to
turn up. The wire was taken from the windlass to the bollards. Able Seaman
Miles saw Able Seaman Thompson standing in a bight of wire and called out to
him to get clear, but he failed to do so and the wire drew taut round his
ankles. Miles knew that Thompson might be hauled through the bullring and that
if he himself were caught in the wire he would be in the same danger; yet he
tried to force the bight open with his hands. His right hand was jammed between
the wire and Thompson's foot. He said nothing and still tried to free his
shipmate. The hurt which caused the loss of his hand was not known till later.
Thompson was dragged along the deck to the bull‑ring but way was taken
off the ship just in time to save him.
20 December
1940 Sub Lt Peter Danckwerts RNVR,
HMS President (London), Bomb Disposal and Rendering Mines Safe. Posted as
Bomb Disposal Officer to the Port of London
Authority
and defused bombs and mines during the Blitz, often for long periods and at
great risk. Awarded George Cross, gazetted 20 December 1940.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS, for
great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty, to:
Sub‑Lieutenant
Peter Victor Danckwerts, R.N.V.R.
21 December
1940 Lt Geoffrey Turner RNVR,
HMS Vernon, Rendering Mines Safe. Defused a whole series of parachute mines
during the Blitz including one in Great Howard Street, Liverpool. Awarded George Cross, gazetted 27 June 1941. Also later received George Medal.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the Award of the GEORGE CROSS, for
great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty, to:
Lieutenant
Geoffrey Gledhill Turner, R.N.V.R.
27 December
1940 Sub Lt John Babington RNVR,
HMS President (London), Bomb Disposal and Rendering Mines Safe. Dealt with
unexploded mines and bombs during the Blitz, in particular a bomb in Chatham
Dockyard with a suspected anti-withdrawal device. Awarded George Cross,
gazetted 27 December 1940.
The London Gazette -
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the
award of the GEORGE CROSS for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty
to:
Probationary Temporary Sub-Lieutenant (Sp) John Herbert Babington
R.N.V.R.
1941
14 January 1941 Sub Lt John Miller (or Duppa-Miller) RNVR,
HMS President (London), Bomb Disposal, and
Able Seaman Stephen Tuckwell, HMS Vernon, Bomb Disposal and
Rendering Mines Safe. Bomb and mine disposal during the Blitz early in the
winter of 1940, including a semi-submerged mine in Roding
River
which ran into Barking Creek, Essex. Both awarded George Cross, gazetted 14 January 1941 respectively.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS for
great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty, to:
Probationary
Temporary Sub‑Lieutenant John Bryan Peter Miller,
Able
Seaman Stephen John Tuckwell, P/J.166122.
29 January 1941
Cadet David Hay RNR, SS Eurylochus, sunk by German raider raider
Kormoran (Detmers) on this date in the Central Atlantic in 08.19N, 25.01W with
the loss of 11 crew. Dived into shark-infested sea to save a shipmate. Awarded
Albert Medal, gazetted 8 July 1941.
The London Gazette – (From the ADMIRALTY, Whitehall, S.W.1)
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the
following Award for gallantry in rescuing a shipmate
The Albert Medal
Cadet David Hay.
Cadet
Hay was serving in a Merchantman which was sunk by an enemy Raider. She was
heavily shelled and machine-gunned, and many of her crew were killed. Two boats
were got away, but the others were shot to pieces. Those of the crew who were
left on board launched two rafts, and just before the ship went down they
jumped in and swam for them. Cadet Hay reached a raft, but, although sharks
were swimming all round him, he dived in again and rescued the Radio Officer.
As he swam back to the raft his clothing was torn by a shark.
17 April 1941 Lt Ernest Gidden RNVR, HMS President
(London), Rendering Mines Safe and Bomb & Mine Disposal during the Blitz.
Dealt with particularly difficult mine on Hungerford
Bridge, London. Awarded George Cross, gazetted 9 June 1942.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS for
great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty to:
Temporary
Lieutenant Ernest Oliver Gidden, G.M., R.N.V.R.
05 May 1941 Ordinary Seaman Albert Howarth RN, destroyer
HMS Foresight. The occasion was probably when Foresight assisted the mined SS
Empire Song off Malta and was damaged in the resulting explosion. AB Howarth was one of a
boat’s crew who was blown overboard, lost a foot, but saved another man in the
water. Awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 2 September 1941.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following award:
The
Albert Medal.
Ordinary
Seaman Albert Howarth, D/JX. 229949, H.M.S. Foresight,
who
was one of a boat's crew sent to board a burning and abandoned Merchantman. The
Merchantman blew up as they drew near her, throwing the boat's crew into the
water. Ordinary Seaman Howarth saw near him a Stoker who was badly shaken, so
he held him up for ten minutes until a lifebelt was thrown to him. This he put
round the Stoker, and before being hauled on board his ship, made sure that his
shipmate was safe. When he himself reached the deck, after nearly half an hour
in the water, it was seen that his right foot had been blown off.
31 May 1941 2nd Officer Robert
Finlayson MN
and Able
Seaman Richard Hamilton MN, cargo ship MV Scottish Prince, in port. Died
trying to save two men in a gas-filled tank. Both posthumously awarded Albert
Medal gazetted 16 January 1942
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to make the posthumous award of the Decoration
of the Albert Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea in recognition of the
gallantry displayed by Second Officer Robert Allan Finlayson and Able Richard
Hamilton in the following circumstances.
Their
vessel was in port undergoing repairs and two members of the crew were engaged
in removing plugs from the bulkhead of the port deep tank, when both suddenly
collapsed, having been overcome by unsuspected gas which had generated from
damaged cargo in the hold. The Second Officer, Mr. Robert Allan Finlayson,
observing the occurrence and realising the immediate need for assistance,
promptly fastened his shirt around his nose and mouth and, with Able Seaman
Richard Hamilton, entered the tank with a rope in an attempt to save the two
men. This brave action on the part of Second Officer Finlayson and Able Seaman
Hamilton unfortunately cost them their lives. Mr. Finlayson was just able to
make the rope fast around the body of one of the men before he himself
collapsed and died. Able Seaman Hamilton, who had immediately followed him,
did not reach the bottom of the tank but collapsed off the ladder when about
half way down.
Although
they must have known the very great risk they ran in entering the tank, Second
Officer Finlayson and Able Seaman Hamilton completely disregarded their
personal safety in their gallant endeavour to save the lives of their
shipmates.
20 June 1941 Bombardier Henry Reed, No.2 Bty 1
Maritime AA Regt, Royal Artillery, SS Cormount, in convoy. Attacked by aircraft
and E-boats, mortally wounded but carried out his duties. Posthumously awarded
George Cross, gazetted 23 September 1941.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to award the GEORGE CROSS to: ‑
Henry
Herbert Reed (deceased), Gunner.
The
ship was attacked by enemy aircraft with cannon, machine‑guns and bombs.
She replied at once with her defensive armament and the men at the guns went
on firing despite the hail of bullets and cannon shell.
Gunner
Reed behaved with the utmost gallantry. He was badly wounded but when the
Master asked how he was, he said that he would carry on. The Chief Officer was
also badly wounded. Reed carried him from the bridge down two ladders to the
deck below and placed him in shelter near a lifeboat. Gunner Reed then died.
It was afterwards found that his stomach had been ripped open by machine‑gun
bullets.
By
his gallant and utterly selfless action Gunner Reed saved the life of the Chief
Officer.
1 September 1941 Lt Cdr William Hiscock RN, HMS St
Angelo (Malta), Rendering Mines Safe. Defused a virtually unknown
Italian ‘Torpedo Machine’ in St George's Bay,
Malta in September 1941. Awarded George Cross, gazetted
16 June 1942.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS for
great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty to:
Lieutenant
(Acting Lieutenant‑Commander) William Ewart Hiscock, D.S.C., R.N. (retired)
(to be dated 3rd
February, 1942).
22 September
1941 Lt John Gibbons RNVR, CO,
ML.144. Wounded when his ML was mined in the English Channel, but saved the life of a seaman in the sea. Awarded
Albert Medal, gazetted 11 August 1942.
The London Gazette – (From the ADMIRALTY, Whitehall, S.W.1)
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the
following Award:
For great bravery and devotion to duty in trying to
save life at sea.
The
Albert Medal.
Temporary
Lieutenant John Edward Gibbons, R.N.V.R.
When
a Motor Launch was mined her Commanding Officer was wounded in the head and blown
into the sea. He was rescued and went at once to save others. He saw a seaman
some 100 yards away in the water, and swam to him through burning fuel. His
gallant action helped to save the man's life.
1942
15 January 1942 Lt George Goodman RNVR, HMS Vernon and HMS Nile (Alexandria), Rendering Mines Safe. Defused Italian circling
torpedo on the beach, east of Alexandria. Awarded George Cross gazetted, 15 September
1942.
The London Gazette - (from
the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, St James’s Palace, S.W.1)
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS for
great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty to:
Temporary
Lieutenant George Herbert Goodman, M.B.E., R.N.V.R.
17 March 1942 3rd Engineer George Newbery MN, MV
Crista, cargo ship, torpedoed and damaged by U.83 (Kraus) on this date, north
of the Libyan-Egyptian border. Attempted to save life at sea. Posthumously
awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 29 September 1942.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to make the following award:
The
Albert Medal (Posthumous)
George
Walter Newbery, Esq. (deceased), Third Engineer Officer..
For
gallantry in attempting to save life at sea.
22 March 1942 Lt Dennis Copperwheat RN,
HMS Penelope.
In charge of the scuttling of Norwegian merchantman Talabot, laden with
ammunition and on fire following a bombing attack in Grand Harbour,
Valetta, Malta. Awarded George Cross, gazetted 17 November
1942.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the Award of the GEORGE CROSS to.
Lieutenant
Dennis Arthur Copperwheat, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Penelope.
For
great bravery at Malta.
During heavy air attacks on Valetta, Lieutenant Copperwheat was sent in charge
of a party of men from H.M.S. Penelope to scuttle a Merchantman, laden with
ammunition, which was burning in the harbour. Owing to the fires, it was
impossible to place scuttling charges in the holds and they had to be slung
over the side of the ship. As they worked. ammunition was exploding all round
them from burning stowages on deck. The ship lay 40 yards from the shore, to
which the electric cables for firing the scuttling charges could only just reach.
Lieutenant Copperwheat sent his working party to shelter, and stayed himself to
fire the charges from a position where he was exposed to the full blast of the
explosion, which lifted him bodily. But for his brave action the ship must have
blown up, and grave damage would have been done to the harbour.
Moreover,
much of the ammunition was saved and some very heavy bombs, part of the cargo,
were soon afterwards dropped in Italy.
16 April 1942 Able Seaman Albert Shearing MN, SS
Caspia, tanker, torpedoed and sunk by U.81 (Guggenberger) on this date 10 miles
south of Beirut. Saved life at sea. Awarded Albert Medal, gazetted
5 January 1943.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to make the following award:‑
The
Albert Medal:
Albert
Shearing, Able Seaman
For
great bravery in saving life at sea.
1 June 1942 Lt John Mould RANVR, HMS Vernon, ‘P’
Part 1571, Rendering Mines Safe, then underwater mine disposal. Awarded George Cross for mine disposal from
November 1941 to June 1942, mainly in the Mediterranean, gazetted 3 November 1942.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS for
great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty to:
Lieutenant
John Stuart Mould, G.M., R.A.N.V.R.
8 August 1942 Apprentice Donald Clarke MN, San Emiliano, motor tanker, torpedoed and sunk by U.155 (Piening) on this date in the
central Atlantic, SE of Trinidad. Badly burned and showed great courage
in helping to get a ship’s boat clear of the sinking tanker, died of his
wounds. Posthumously awarded George Cross, gazetted 20 July 1943.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to award the GEORGE CROSS to:
Donald
Owen Clarke (deceased), Apprentice, Merchant Navy.
The
ship, sailing alone, was attacked by the enemy and hit by two torpedoes. Fire
broke out immediately, flames sweeping the vessel from bridge to poop.
Apprentice Clarke was trapped in the accommodation and was severely burned.
Despite this he made his way on deck and was one of those who got into the only
boat which left the ship. The painter of the boat was kept fast and the helm
put over and, as the vessel still carried some way, the boat was towed clear of
the burning ship’s side. When the painter was cast off the boat drifted back
and it was clear to all on board that it would require a tremendous effort to
pull it out of danger. Most of the occupants, however, were so badly burned
that they were unable to help, but Apprentice Clarke took an oar and pulled
heartily for two hours without a word of complaint. It was not until after the
boat was clear that it was realized how badly he had been injured. His hands
had to be cut away from the oar as the burnt flesh had stuck to it. He had pulled
as well as anyone, although he was rowing with the bones of his hands. Later
when lying at the bottom of the boat his thoughts were still with his shipmates
and he sang to keep up their spirits. Next day he died, having shown the
greatest fortitude.
By
his supreme effort, undertaken without thought of self and in spite of terrible
agony, Apprentice Clarke ensured the safety of his comrades in the boat. His
great heroism and selfless devotion were in keeping with the highest traditions
of the Merchant Navy.
12 August 1942 Capt Dudley Mason MN, Master, MT Ohio,
the immortal tanker in Malta convoy ‘Pedestal’, attacked and severely damaged
between the 12th and 16th. Kept afloat by Capt Mason and his crew and
eventually reached Malta lashed to a destroyer. Awarded George Cross,
gazetted 4 September 1942.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to award the GEORGE CROSS to
Captain
Dudley William Mason, Master, s.s. ”Ohio”
During
the passage to Malta
of an important convoy Captain Mason's ship suffered most violent onslaught.
She was a focus of attack throughout and was torpedoed early one night.
Although gravely damaged, her engines were kept going and the Master made a
magnificent passage by hand‑steering and without a compass. The ship’s gunners
helped to bring down one of the attacking aircraft. The vessel was hit again
before morning, but though she did not sink, her engine room was wrecked. She
was then towed. The unwieldy condition of the vessel and persistent enemy
attacks made progress slow, and it was uncertain whether she would remain
afloat. All next day progress somehow continued and the ship reached Malta after a
further night at sea.
The
violence of the enemy could not deter the Master from his purpose. Throughout
he showed skill and courage of the highest order and it was due to his
determination that, in spite of the most persistent enemy opposition, the
vessel, with her valuable cargo, eventually reached Malta and was
safely berthed.
(The
award is dated 4th September, 1942.)
12 August 1942 PO Cook Charles Walker, serving in a
destroyer in Malta convoy ‘Pedestal’. Dived from his ship to rescue a man in difficulties
escaping from a bombed and blazing merchantman sometime between the 12th and
16th. Awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 15 December 1942.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following Award:
For
great bravery in saving life at sea:
The
Albert Medal.
Petty
Officer Cook Charles Henry Walker, P/MX.49348.
During
a convoy to Malta a
vessel was hit by bombs in an air attack and burst into flames fore and aft. An
escorting destroyer went very close, lowered her whaler and picked up survivors
from the sea. Petty Officer Cook Walker seeing a man in difficulties dived
over the destroyer's side and rescued him. The heat was intense and he, knew
that his ship might have to turn away at any moment. Both rescued and rescuer
were picked up.
12 August 1942 Apprentice John Gregson MN, MV
Deucalion, sailing with Malta convoy ‘Pedestal’, torpedoed and sunk by enemy
aircraft off Cani Rocks, Tunisia. Saved the life of a trapped member of the crew and
towed him to safety. Awarded Albert Medal gazetted 2 February 1943.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to make the following award:
The
Albert Medal.
John
Sedgwick Gregson, Apprentice.
The
ship was set on fire by the explosion of a torpedo during an attack by enemy
aircraft. The flames spread rapidly and almost immediately orders were given to
abandon ship. One of the ship’s gunners, however, was pinned under a raft.
Apprentice Gregson immediately went to his assistance and help freed him. The
gunner had sustained severe injuries and, as it was impossible to get him into
a boat or on to a raft, he was dropped overboard. Gregson dived into the sea
after him, and, in the darkness, towed his helpless shipmate to a ship which picked
them up, a distance of about 600 yards.
But
for Apprentice Gregson’s gallant and determined action, undertaken with
complete disregard of his personal safety, the injured man would have had
little chance of survival.
14 September
1942 Chief Officer James Reeves MN,
MT Atheltemplar, sailing in
Russian convoy PQ.18, torpedoed on this date by
U.457 (Brandenburg) in the Barents Sea,
abandoned but stayed afloat and ablaze, finished off by the gunfire of U.408.
Rescued two men from the flooding engine-room while the ship was being
abandoned. Awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 25 May 1943.
The London Gazette – (from
the Ministry of War Transport, Berkeley Square, W.1)
The
KING has been graciously pleased to make the following Award:
The
Albert Medal.
James
Arthur Reeves, Esq., Chief Officer.
The
ship was torpedoed and was being abandoned when two men were seen floating in
the oily water which flooded the engine-room to a depth of 25 feet. Both were
helpless, one being badly injured and the other overcome by oil fumes. All the
engine‑room ladders had been destroyed, but using a boat ladder, Chief
Officer Reeves descended into the engine‑room and secured lines about
both men. While being hauled to safety, one of the men slipped back into the
oily water. Mr. Reeves again descended into the engine-room which was rapidly
filling with surging and water, and secured another rope about the injured man
who was then brought on deck.
In
descending into the darkened and flooded engine‑room, Mr. Reeves showed
great bravery and complete disregard of his personal safety. His work was
rendered doubly dangerous by the heavy oil fumes which had accumulated.
27 October 1942 Surgeon William Chisholm MN, MV
Stentor, cargo ship, torpedoed and sunk by U.509 (Witte) on this date in the Central Atlantic. Gave up his life attempting to save another officer
on the sinking ship. Posthumously awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 27 April 1943.
The London Gazette – (from
the Ministry of War Transport, Berkeley Square, W.1)
The
KING has been graciously pleased to make the following Award:
Albert
Medal (Posthumous).
William
Chisholm, Esq., M.B., Ch.B., Ship's Surgeon.
The
ship in which Mr. Chisholm was serving was torpedoed in darkness and immediately
began to sink. A fire broke out, which enveloped the bridge in flames and
orders were given to abandon the vessel. She sank within eight minutes. One of
the Senior Officers, who was on the bridge, was badly injured. He was taken to
the surgery where Mr. Chisholm immediately attended to him and afterward, as he
was helpless, helped him to the deck in order to get him away from the sinking
ship. Mr Chisholm's efforts, however, were unsuccessful and neither he nor the
Officer was seen again.
Although
the ship was sinking rapidly, Mr. Chisholm remained and deliberately sacrificed
his chance of safety in a gallant attempt to save the life of another.
30 October 1942 Lt Francis Fasson RN and
Able Seaman Colin Grazier, destroyer HMS
Petard. U.559 was attacked and badly damaged by destroyers Pakenham, Petard and
Hero, escort destroyers Dulverton and Hurworth and a RAF Sunderland flying boat
of 47 Sqn, NE of Port Said in the eastern Mediterranean. Lt Fasson and AB
Grazier were two of three men saving Enigma-related documents from the sinking
submarine, but both went down with her. Posthumously awarded George Cross,
gazetted 14 September 1943.
The London Gazette –
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the GEORGE CROSS,
to:
Lieutenant
Anthony Blair Fasson, Royal Navy,
Able
Seaman Colin Grazier, P/SSX.25550
for
outstanding bravery and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of danger.
25 December
1942 Lt Hugh Syme RANVR, HMS
Vernon, Rendering Mines Safe. Already awarded GM and bar during the Blitz.
Disposed of various types of sea mines between 19 May 1941 and this date, most notably in November 1942 when
the first and only Type T mine was recovered by drifter ‘Noontide’. Awarded
George Cross, gazetted 3 August 1943.
The London Gazette -
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS to:
Lieutenant
Hugh Randall Syme, G.M.. R.A.N.V.R.
for
great bravery and undaunted devotion to duty.
1943
3 January 1943 Boatswain William McCarthy RN, HMS Nile
(Alexandria). Dived from the mole at Benghazi
Harbour into rough seas to rescue Indian seamen thrown out of a raft. Awarded
Albert Medal, gazetted 27 July 1943.
The London Gazette – (from
the Admiralty, Whitehall)
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following Award:
The
Albert Medal.
Mr.
William Henry Debonnaire McCarthy, Boatswain, Royal Navy.
Mr.
McCarthy dived into a tempestuous sea from the Mole at Benghazi to save some Indian seamen who
had been thrown into the sea from a raft. When a line was thrown he swam with
it to the Indians, caught hold of one of them and successfully brought him ashore.
He then returned to the rescue of another.
There
was grave danger that Mr. McCarthy would be dashed against the rocks by the
gale and the high sea.
10 January 1943 Able Seaman Eynon Hawkins , SS British
Dominion, tanker, torpedoed three times by U.522 (Schneider) on this date in
the North Atlantic, ship on fire and abandoned, finished off next day
by U.620. AB Hawkins organised a party of survivors in the water, and saved
others in spite of being burnt. Awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 29 June 1943.
The London Gazette – (from
the Admiralty, Whitehall)
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following Award:
For
great bravery in saving life at sea
The
Albert Medal.
Acting
Able Seaman Eynon Hawkins, D/JX.214857.
Able
Seaman Hawkins was serving in a Merchant Vessel which was hit by three
torpedoes and immediately began to burn furiously. Many of the crew jumped overboard
and Able Seaman Hawkins, with the greatest coolness and courage, organised a party
of survivors in the water and kept them away from the fire until they were later
picked up by one of H.M. Ships.
Twice
he swam to the assistance of other survivors who were in difficulties, himself
receiving burns in the face as he pulled them to safety.
26 January 1943 Leading Seaman William Goad, HMS
Ashanti, incident not identified. Possibly took place during Russia/UK convoy
QP.14 when sister ship Somali was torpedoed on the 20 September 1942, taken in tow by Ashanti and sank four days later during a gale. LS Goad awarded
Albert Medal, gazetted 26 January 1943.
The London Gazette –
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following Award:
For
great bravery in saving life at sea
The
Albert Medal.
For
great bravery in saving life at sea:
The
Albert Medal
Acting
Leading Seaman William Goad, C/JX.156149.
Leading
Seaman Goad went over his ship's side, on a line, in water well below freezing
point, and rescued an unconscious man. It was blowing a full gale and there was
very great risk that he would either be washed away by the breaking seas, or
swept under the bilge keel of his ship, which was rolling heavily.
19 March 1943 Chief Officer George Stronach MN, SS Ocean
Voyager, cargo ship. Attacked by German
Ju.88 aircraft in Tripoli Harbour, caught fire, blew up and sank. Saved four badly wounded men.
Awarded George Cross, gazetted 23 November
1943.
The
KING has been graciously pleased to award the GEORGE CROSS to:
George
Preston Stronach, Esq., Chief Officer.
When
the ship was lying in harbour, a severe aircraft attack developed and she was
hit and at once caught fire. The vessel had a large consignment of petrol and
ammunition on board, which was exploding heavily all the time and in spite of
strenuous efforts which were made to fight the fire she had to be abandoned.
The Master was killed by the explosion and the responsibility for further
operations devolved on the Chief Officer.
He
had been rendered temporarily unconscious but recovered almost immediately and
went forward to look for survivors. He found a number of the crew sheltering in
the alley way and, braving the exploding ammunition, led them to a boat
alongside which took them to safety. In order to provide for the transport of
any other survivors who might be found, he then lowered another boat and
brought it alongside the ship. Although the vessel was now burning furiously
Mr. Stronach made his way to the officers' accommodation amidships. Finding a
hose with a trickle of water coming through, he held this over his head and so
kept himself sufficiently wet to protect him from the worst of the heat and
flames. With great difficulty he climbed into the collapsed accommodation and
found one of the deck officers, unconscious and badly burned. Mr. Stronach
pulled him clear and dragged him along the deck to the lowered boat. Returning
to the accommodation, he began to remove the debris from another officer who
was trapped. By almost superhuman efforts he dragged the man through the
porthole and along the deck. He then tied a rope around his waist and lowered
him over the side to the boat. As the situation was becoming desperate Mr.
Stronach ordered a man to take the boat to safety and once again he returned
amidships where he discovered an officer who had been severely injured.
Dragging him along the deck to the side of the ship, he tied a rope around him
and lowered him over the side on to a raft which had returned to the ship in
response to his calls. Again Mr Stronach continued his search for survivors
and, taking a final look round aft, he saw a greaser lying unconscious in the
scuppers. He dragged this man to the side of the ship, but finding there was no
raft or boat alongside, put a lifebelt around him and threw him overboard. When
he was satisfied that there were no further survivors the Chief Officer jumped
overboard and swam to a raft which, under his direction, returned to pick up
the injured greaser. In the full knowledge that she was likely to blow up at
any moment Chief Officer Stronach stayed on this burning vessel searching for
survivors for an hour and twenty minutes. His inspiring leadership induced a
number of the crew to get away and so saved their lives and by his gallant
efforts, undertaken with utter disregard of his personal safety, he saved the
lives of three officers and a greaser, all of whom were badly hurt. His action
equals any in the annals of the Merchant Navy for great and unselfish heroism
and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
30 March 1943 2nd Engineer Gordon Bastian MN, SS
Empire Bowman, cargo ship, sailing with Sierra Leone-UK convoy SL.126. Torpedoed
and sunk by U.404 (Bülow) on this date in the North Atlantic in 47.26N, 15.53W. Rescued to men from the flooding
engine-room. Awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 17 August 1943.
The London Gazette – (from
the Ministry of War Transport, Berkeley Square, W.1)
The
KING has been graciously pleased to make the following Award:
The
Albert Medal.
Gordon
Love Bastian, Esq., M.B.E., Second Engineer Officer, Merchant Navy.
The
ship in which Mr. Bastian was serving was torpedoed and sustained severe damage.
Mr. Bastian was on watch in the engine-room when the ship was struck. He at
once shut off the engines. He then remembered that two firemen were on watch in
the stokehold. The engine‑room was in darkness and water was already
pouring into it. Although there was grave risk of disastrous flooding in opening
the watertight door between the stokehold and engine‑room, Mr. Bastian
did not hesitate but groped his way to the door and opened it. The two firemen
were swept into the engine-room with the inrush of water. One man had a broken
arm and injured feet and the other was badly bruised and shaken. Mr. Bastian
made efforts to hold them both but lost one, so he dragged the other to the
escape ladder and helped him on deck. He then returned for the other and helped
him to safety. The more seriously injured man had practically to be lifted up
the ladder by Mr. Bastian, who was himself half choked by cordite fumes.
Second
Engineer Officer Bastian took a very great risk in opening the watertight door
into the already flooded and darkened engine-room of the sinking ship and both
men undoubtedly owe their lives to his exceptional bravery, strength and
presence of mind.
12 June 1943 Lt Leon Goldsworthy RANVR, HMS Vernon, Rendering
Mines Safe. From this date, carried out a series of underwater mine recoveries,
including a new German ground mine at Sheerness on 13 August 1943 and an ‘especially
dangerous acoustic mine near Milford Haven’ on 10 April 1944. Awarded George
Cross, gazetted 19 September 1944.
The London Gazette –
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS to:
Temporary
Lieutenant Leon Verdi Goldsworthy G.M., R.A.N.V.R., for great gallantry and
undaunted devotion
to
duty.
3 July 1943 Able Seaman David McRae MN, Broughty,
cargo ship, in port in the UK. Saved the life of a shipmate in a gas-filled tank
at the cost of his own. Posthumously awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 7 December 1943
The London Gazette – (from
the Ministry of War Transport, London, W.1)
The
KING has been graciously pleased to make the following Award:
The
Albert Medal (Posthumous).
Able
Seaman David McRae.
The
ship in which McRae was serving was lying in a United Kingdom port when
the boatswain entered the deep tank to obtain some oil. This tank had
previously contained ground nut oil and the residue, having decomposed, had
deprived the air in the tank of oxygen. As the boatswain was ascending the
ladder from the bottom of the tank he collapsed. A stevedore went to his rescue
but he was forced to return and had to be helped out of the tank in a dazed
condition. McRae, wearing a civilian duty respirator, then descended the ladder
into the tank and he was able to secure a line around the boatswain before he,
too, collapsed. The boatswain was hoisted to safety from the tank but when Able
Seaman McRae was brought up later he failed to respond to first‑aid
treatment and died before reaching hospital.
McRae,
having seen the boatswain collapse and the stevedore driven back, well knew the
risks he was taking in entering the tank. By his very gallant action he saved
the life of his shipmate but he sacrificed his own.
31 August 1943 Lt John Bridge RNVR, HMS Elissa (Messina, Sicily), Bomb and Mine Disposal Section, also Port
Clearance. After the death or wounding of an entire bomb disposal party on
23 August 1943 by six depth charges, Lt Bridge and his party, in 28
dives cleared Messina harbour of the remaining 207, including two with
unknown firing mechanisms by the 2 September. This was only one day before the
assault on Italy, and thus vital to Allied operations. Lt Bridge had
already received the GM and Bar. Awarded George Cross, gazetted 20 June 1944.
The London Gazette –
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS to:
Temporary Lieutenant John Bridge, G.M., R.N.V.R.
(Warrington),
for
great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty.
13 October 1943 Warrant Electrician Ernest Wooding RCNVR.
Rescued
two men from the engine-room of ML.116,
completing at Hunter Boat Works, Orillia, Ontario, after an explosion on board. Awarded Albert Medal,
gazetted 13 April 1945.
The London Gazette – (from
the Department of National Defence, Ottawa)
The
KING has been graciously pleased, on the advice of His Majesty’s Canadian
Ministers, to give orders for the following Award:
For
bravery in saving life:
The
Albert Medal
Mr.
Ernest Alfred Wooding, Warrant Electrician, R.C.N.V.R.
for
outstanding courage and presence of mind it the time of an explosion in a Motor
Launch in harbour. Though not on board at the time he rushed on deck when the
explosion occurred and pulled two of the three men in the engine‑room
compartment to safety. Knowing that a large quantity of high octane gasoline
was in the tanks of the boat his action showed complete disregard of himself.
He did gallant rescue work of the men who were in the boat at the time of the
explosion, and was certainly responsible for saving the lives of the two men
from the engine‑room at great personal risk.
23 November 1943, Stoker 1st Class Donald
Dale, RNZN. Following an explosion in HMS Achilles while she was in
dock, he rescued a number of men who were trapped below. Awarded Albert
Medal, gazetted 23 November 1943.
The KING has been graciously
pleased to .... approve the following Award(s): —
For bravery in saving life
at sea:
The Albert Medal.
Stoker First Class Donald
William Dale, N/Z.4861 (Timaru, New Zealand).
When there was a bad
explosion in his ship in dock, Dale, as all anti-smoke apparatus was
already in use, tied a handkerchief round his mouth, and went down into
a smoke-filled compartment, from which he helped to rescue four workmen.
He then came up for a spell,
after which he went down in another part of the ship to the compartment
in which the explosion had taken place. With help from one other man, he
here rescued two dockyard workmen, getting them up through a manhole
with ropes. To reach the scene of destruction Dale, who was still
without apparatus, had to grope his way through smoke and debris. The
last twisted vertical ladder down which he went fell short of the deck
below. Hearing the cries of those trapped, he trusted to chance and
jumped. Luckily the deck proved firm.
Although unaware of the full
damage which had been caused to the ship Dale well knew that he was
facing the gravest danger.
Another account from the official
Royal New Zealand Navy site:
The explosion in a fuel tank on board HMNZS Achilles at
Portsmouth on 22 June 1943, which killed 14 dockyard workers, might have
claimed more lives had it not been for the prompt and courageous action
of members of the cruisers’ crew.
A dozen men owed their lives to Stoker First Class
William Dale, of Waimate, Engineroom Artificer William Vaughan, RN, of
Durham, England, and Stoker First Class Ernest Valentine, RNZNVR, of
Ohakune.
After finding that all smoke apparatus was in use, Dale tied a
handkerchief over his mouth and went down three decks into a smoke
filled space. With complete disregard for his own safety, and
working in pitch dark, he found four injured men and passed them up to
safety. He then went up on deck for a breath of fresh air before
re-entering the fuel tank that was the seat of the explosion. With
Dale went a dockyard worker named Rogers. Between them they
rescued two men who were hauled clear by ropes. Those rescued said
afterwards that, without the New Zealander’s help, they would not have
survived. For his actions Dale was awarded the Albert Medal, the
only member of the New Zealand Navy Forces to receive this rare
decoration during the Second World War.
(Stoker Dale's award, which was
originally missing from this list, appears with thanks to John
Gresson who pointed out that this was the only award of the Albert
Medal to a New Zealand serviceman, at least in World War 2)
1944
12 September 1944
Stoker 2nd Class Charles Pethebridge RANR,
Australian prisoner of war on board the Japanese SS Rakuyo Maru, carrying 1317
Australian and British POWs from Singapore, it is believed to Formosa. Sailing
in convoy, torpedoed and sunk by US submarine Sealion II in the South China Sea on 12 September 1944 (not the 22nd as listed in some sources). Some 1159
POWs were lost, the few survivors being picked up by the Japanese and by the
returning US submarines, including 54 by USS Sealion II. Stoker
Pethebridge saved the lives of other POWs in the sea at the eventual cost of
his own. Posthumously awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 17 July 1945.
The
KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following Award:
Albert
Medal in Bronze (Posthumous).
Stoker
Second Class Charles Alexander PETHEBRIDGE, R.A.N.R., W.2164.
For
gallantry in saving life at sea at the cost of his own.
When
the ship on which he was a passenger was torpedoed, Stoker Pethebridge got
away with twenty others on a raft. During the ordeal which followed Pethebridge left this raft on several occasions, without a life‑belt, to
go to the help of those who through physical weaknesses could not prevent
themselves from slipping into the sea.
The
strain of this merciful work upon himself was such that he could not carry on,
and during the night which followed the sinking of the ship, he himself
disappeared.
