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
There
are links to some of the Warships listed
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
HMS
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
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, Australia, survivor of sinking of HMAS
Perth, now 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.
