Merchant Navy awards

From The Times, December 17, 1941:

THE MERCHANT NAVY
BRAVERY UNDER ENEMY ATTACKS

O.B.E.
Captain Thomas Sydney HORN, Master
George HAIG, Chief Engineer

M.B.E.
James Hunter Andrew MACKIE, Chief Officer

The ship took part in a vital operation, throughout which she was exposed to the hazards of surface, submarine, and air attack. For the last four days she fought off a series of determined air attacks, but on the last day she was torpedoed and flooding started in the holds. In spite of this and of the fact that the main engines were badly shaken, the master, the chief engineer, and the chief officer, with a voluntary party, set to work to control the flooding and repair the damage. By this time the ship had drifted to within three miles of an enemy position. The engines were restarted and a speed of 14 knots achieved until, out of range of enemy guns, steam could be reduced and the strain on bulkheads eased. A final air attack was made when the ship had almost reached safety. The guns were manned once more, and the enemy was driven off. It was due to the courage, resource, and leadership of the master and his officers that the ship was brought at last to safety.

 

From The Times, December 17, 1941:

THE MERCHANT NAVY
BRAVERY UNDER ENEMY ATTACKS

O.B.E.
Captain George Welbourne STEPHENSON, master

B.E.M.
Alexander CAIRNS, gunlayer

At dawn a U-boat was sighted about 500ft. away, crossing the bow of the ship. The master at once ordered fire to be opened. A rapid and accurate fire probably hit the U-boat. The enemy was forced to dive and was not seen again. The success of the operation was largely due to the master's skilful seamanship and the accuracy of the gunner.

 

From The Times, December 17, 1941:

THE MERCHANT NAVY
BRAVERY UNDER ENEMY ATTACKS

M.B.E.
William Herbert BOWLES, second engineer

The ship was sailing alone when she was attacked by a German seaplane. The enemy made eight runs, but so skilfully was the vessel handled that all the bombs missed. Bowles, who was experienced in such attacks, saved the ship by his steady resolution, at once fulfilling every order from the bridge.

 

From The Times, December 17, 1941:

THE MERCHANT NAVY
BRAVERY UNDER ENEMY ATTACKS

M.B.E.
Captain Arthur Alfred LAWRENCE, master

An air attack was made on a ship which was hit and sunk. Captain Lawrence sent a boat with volunteers to pick up survivors. Two attacks were then made on his ship and the engines were put out of action. The master was hit by a bomb splinter which shattered his left elbow. He continued in charge, and when a motor-boat approached ordered his crew into it, but stayed on board with three volunteers. Another attack was made and the master was again wounded. A tug arrived and he arranged for her to tow the ship to port. The master showed courage and devotion to duty, and, in spite of his severe injuries, stood fast until the ship was safely berthed.

 

From The Times, January 21, 1942:

AWARDS TO MERCHANT NAVY

O.B.E.
Captain Alfred Ryder BIBBY, Master

M.B.E.
Hubert Alfred UNDERHILL. Chief Officer

The ship was torpedoed and sank within 11 minutes. The survivors got away in two boats. They kept together for 36 hours, but then became separated in darkness. After seven days the master's boat was picked up by another ship. Four days later this ship was sunk, and the master spent a further 13 days in a boat at sea. His leadership throughout was exemplary. The chief officer's boat was 10 days before being picked up. He showed great skill and good seamanship in bringing his people to safety.

 

From The Times, January 21, 1942:

AWARDS TO MERCHANT NAVY

M.B.E.
John Bingham WOODHOUSE, Chief Officer

The ship was torpedoed. A boat from another ship, in charge of the chief officer, was got away and picked up survivors, including the master. Before they could be brought back the second ship was also struck, and sank quickly. Although none of the survivors except the master of one ship and the chief officer of the other had any knowledge of sailing boats, they decided, instead of seeking an easy internment, to make for a friendly shore, a distance of nearly 1,000 miles. The voyage took over a fortnight, and all but three reached safety. The master and the chief officer showed great courage and enterprise. Woodhouse, although in great pain from a wound, kept up the spirits of the men all through the long and difficult passage.

 

From The Times, February 18, 1942

MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

O.B.E.
Captain Philip George BELL, master
James Kirkland GREIG, chief engineer

For courage, skill, and resource during enemy air attacks, when the ship was acting as a supply vessel in the Mediterranean.

 

From The Times, February 18, 1942

MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

O.B.E.
Captain Robert BROOKS, mooring and wreck raising officer, Port of London Authority.

A ship was bombed and set on fire. In the presence of great danger from enemy aircraft. Captain Brooks encouraged the crew to strenuous efforts that the vessel was saved. He has at all times set an inspiring example. On two occasions he has conducted salvage operations in the face of enemy attack, and has answered every call with skill and courage.

 

From The Times, February 18, 1942

MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

O.B.E.
Captain Jack Reginald LEWIS, master

The ship was torpedoed and the master received a head injury and was stunned. When he came to the vessel was sinking. He directed rescue work and, after four days in a small boat, sighted land. In spite of his injury, and of illness, the master's care for his men, his leadership, and his fine qualities of seamanship were unfailing.

 

From The Times, February 18, 1942

MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

M.B.E.
Harry Alexander BINNIE, chief engineer

The ship was twice attacked by German aircraft. Bombs badly damaged her, and escaping steam prevented the fireman staying in the stokehold. The chief engineer remained below alone for an hour and a half, traced the escapes of steam and maintained pressure so that the engines could be kept running. Later Mr Binnie showed great resource in making temporary repairs.

 

From The Times, February 18, 1942
MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

M.B.E.
Captain Lachlan McNeill, master

The ship was attacked by two German aircraft with machine-gun fire. The master took a hand in the defensive fire, which was so steady and accurate that he assailants were driven off. Shortly afterwards a third aircraft appeared and dropped two bombs. Once again the defence was ready and the aircraft was certainly hit. The master's defence not only saved the ship, but prevented an attack on a trawler fishing nearby.

 

From The Times, February 18, 1942

MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

M.B.E FOR WOMAN DOCTOR

William McVICAR, third officer, ss. Britannia
Dr. Adaline Nancy MILLER, M.B. Ch.B, ship's surgeon, ss. Britannia

The ship was alone when she was approached by a raider, which opened fire at long range. She replied with her defensive armament, but a shell put her main gun out of action and she suffered heavy structural damage. As here speed was less than that of the enemy, the captain gave orders to abandon ship. A signal to this effect was made to the enemy, but the raider continued shelling, and holed many of the lifeboats. He sank the ship by gunfire and made off. During the action the ship's doctor attended to the wounded and dying. She continued her good work after the company had taken to the lifeboats and by her efforts saved many lives. The third officer was in charge of a lifeboat certified to hold 58 people but which carried 84. She was put before the wind, since she was otherwise unmanageable, and, after a voyage of 22 days, during which five Europeans and 39 Indians died, a landfall was made. It was due to the courage, resolution, and good seamanship of the third officer that the survivors reached safety.

 

From The Times, February 18, 1942

MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

M.B.E.
Captain Henry James BUSBY, master

B.E.M.
Donald Frederick PRITCHARD, engineer

During and air raid fire bombs which fell on the tug were put out by the crew. Later, when a bomb damaged a shelter close by, the master and crew rescued two men. A fire broke out on the other side of the dock gateway. The master got his ship under way and played hoses from her until the fire was put out. A shed then caught fire and endangered a ship moored alongside. Captain Busby towed her across the dock to safety. The engineer took a leading part in putting out the fires.

 

From The Times, February 18, 1942

MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

M.B.E.
Captain Thomas Arthur McVEIGH, Master

B.E.M.
Ernest James Walter PETLEY, gunner

The ship was attacked by two German aircraft. Although bombs fell close and badly shook the ship, her master had organized so sound a defence that the assaults, which lasted altogether nearly half an hour failed. Petley fired cooly and well. He certainly damaged, and may have destroyed one of the enemy.

 

From The Times, February 18, 1942

MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

M.B.E.
Captain Horace William MOORE, Master

B.E.M.
James CHISHOLM, gunner
Henry Edward PARSONS, gunner

The ship was attacked by two dive-bombers. One of the enemy was quickly destroyed. The other continued the assault with bombs, depth charges, machine-guns, and cannon. The ship was damaged, and it was due to the skill of her master and the accuracy of her gunners that the attack was driven off and she was able to reach port.

 

From The Times, February 18, 1942

MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

B.E.M.
Stanley Edward BROWN, gunner
Joseph GLENTON, deck hand

The trawler was fishing when she was attacked by an enemy aircraft. The skipper conducted a stout defence against heavy bombing and machine-gun fire. Cool and accurate fire by Glenton so damaged the German that later it was seen to crash into the sea.

 

From The Times, March 4, 1942:

MERCHANT NAVY HONOURS

CRIPPLED SHIP'S FIGHT WITH U-BOATS

C.B.E.
Captain R.F. BAYER, master

The large and most valuable ship was torpedoed and badly damaged. The next day an enemy aircraft approached but was driven off by gunfire and was last seen losing height. Later, the ship was shadowed by at least two, and probably more, submarines. She was unmanageable at times unless towed, which caused a great loss of speed. The master showed resolution and magnificent seamanship throughout. He brought his ship safely to port.

 

From The Times, March 4, 1942:

MERCHANT NAVY HONOURS

O.B.E.
Captain E.L. DAVIES, master

The ship has experienced many enemy attacks from the air and by E-boats and long-range guns. Her master's defensive organization was so good that on one occasion when she was subjected to heavy assault an enemy aircraft was quickly destroyed. Captain Davies has shown consistent courage, skill, and good seamanship.