Merchant Navy awards

Discussion in 'The War at Sea' started by dbf, May 23, 2009.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, April 28, 1943:

    ALBERT MEDAL (POSTHUMOUS)
    William CHISHOLM, 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 afterwards, as he was so helpless, helped him to the deck in order to get him away from the sinking ship. Mr Chisholm's efforts 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.
     
  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, May 26, 1943:

    MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

    ALBERT MEDAL
    James Arthur REEVES, 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 25ft. 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 oil and water, and secured another rope about the injured man, who was then brought on deck.
     
  3. dbf

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    From The Times, July 14, 1943:

    ALONE ON RAFT FOR 133 DAYS

    B.E.M.
    POON LIM, sec. steward, Merchant Navy

    When his ship was torpedoed and sunk Poon Lim managed to reach a raft, on which he existed alone for 133 days before being picked up by a fishing boat.
     
  4. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, August 18, 1943:

    O.B.E.
    Captain Sidney Thomas DUNSTER, Master

    The ship played a vital part in carrying oil and petrol to forces operating off the coast of North Africa and was the focus of sustained and heavy air attacks. So skilfully was she handled by her master and so efficient was her barrage that she sustained no damage, and performed invaluable work. In addition to this service, her master did well in two Malta convoys earlier in the war.
     
  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, September 1, 1943:

    MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

    O.B.E.
    Captain John DUNCAN, Master
    George Hunt ARMSTRONG, Chief Engineer Officer

    The ship was at Singapore when the enemy were advancing towards the port. The Master handled is vessel with courage and skill in difficult and dangerous circumstances and saved her from possible capture or sinking by the enemy. Valuable services were rendered to the military authorities, troops, and refugees at a critical time.

    The Chief Engineer Officer displayed magnificent qualities of initiative and resource in effecting repairs and his work helped materially in saving the ship.

    See post no 408 for further information from Hugh
     
  6. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, September 1, 1943:

    MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

    O.B.E.
    Captain Charles Henry HURST, Master

    The ship arrived at a North Russian port with a valuable cargo and while she was there numerous air raids were made on the port. A spirited defence was put up by the ship which resulted in the destruction of three enemy fighters. Later the ship left for the United Kingdom and was brought back safely in spite of the dangers and hazards of the voyage. The master handled his ship with courage and resource during all the enemy air attacks. The delivery of a valuable cargo and the success of his voyage were due to his organization and leadership, coupled with the magnificent defence put up by the vessel.
     
  7. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, September 15, 1943:

    GEORGE MEDAL
    David Eric CLOWE, Apprentice
    Alan Bruce MOORE, Apprentice

    The ship was torpedoed in darkness and sank within 12 minutes. Two boats were lowered, but one of them capsized and was smashed in the heavy seas. The other was successfully launched. Clowe was swept overboard as the ship was sinking but managed to reach a boat. During the night and the next morning nine other survivors were rescued. Throughout the following days exceptionally severe weather was experienced and many of the occupants died from exposure. Clowe navigated the boat in the heavy seas throughout the eight-day voyage until it was sighted by aircraft and the occupants were saved. He was responsible for the improvisation of sea anchors and the care of the occupants, as well as the maintenance of discipline. It was mainly due to his courage, initiative, and leadership that seven of the occupants of the boat survived.

    Moore was the mainstay of Clowe during this arduous voyage. After spending 12 hours hanging on to a raft from which 13 others had been washed away, he was picked up by the boat. Although suffering intense pain, his determination and cheerfulness throughout, together with the invaluable help which he gave to Clowe in managing the boat, contributed very greatly to the success of the voyage.

    From The Times, October 22, 1943:

    INVESTITURE AT THE PALACE

    The George Medal was awarded to two apprentices of the Merchant Navy - Mr David Clowe and Mr Alan Moore - for their bravery when in charge of open lifeboats for many days at sea after the sinking of their ship. Mr Moore, who lost both legs as a result of exposure, was wheeled in an invalid chair to the royal dais. The King wished him good luck and expressed the hope that he would soon receive his artificial limbs.
     
  8. dbf

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    From The Times, December 4, 1943:

    AWARDS TO MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS

    BURNING SHIP TOWED FROM HARBOUR

    O.B.E.
    Captain Frederick Beales PARKER, master, Merchant Navy

    M.B.E.
    Frederick Donald BONNEY, chief officer, Merchant Navy
    Captain Reginald Walter Henry MILLEN, master of Admiralty Dockyard tug
    Captain Peter MURRAY, BEM, since deceased, master of Admiralty Dockyard tug (award dated May 17, 1943)

    The ship was in harbour when fire broke out on board. Flames spread rapidly and it became necessary for tugs to tow the vessel outside the harbour and beach her. During the tow the ship burned fiercely and there were continuous explosions from the cargo of high explosives.
     
  9. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, December 4, 1943:

    AWARDS TO MERCHANT NAVY OFFICERS

    GEORGE MEDAL
    Kenneth Desmond Cronow FISHER, chief officer, Merchant Navy

    An officer making an inspection of a trunk-way air chute, a compartment measuring 2ft. square and extending from top to bottom of the ship, was overcome by gas and collapsed at the foot of the shaft. Two shore carpenters went to render assistance. They did not suspect gas and one was overcome as he was descending the trunk-way and collapsed at the bottom of the shaft. The chief officer was informed and immediately descended. Although he was wearing a gas mask he found difficulty in breathing and removed the mask. Mr Fisher got ropes around the two men who were then hoisted to the deck. By his prompt action, great courage, and total disregard of self he rescued the two men. Unfortunately one of them succumbed shortly afterwards.
     
  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, November 24, 1943:

    HEROISM IN BURNING SHIP
    G.C. FOR MERCHANT NAVY OFFICER

    The King has awarded the George Cross to:-

    George Preston STRONACH, Chief Officer.

    When the ship was in harbour she was attacked from the air and caught fire. There was a large consignment of petrol and ammunition on board, which was exploding all the time, and in spite of strenuous efforts she had to be abandoned. The master was killed. The chief officer, who had been rendered unconscious, recovered and went forward to look for survivors. He found a number of the crew sheltering in the alley way, and, braving the exploding ammunitions, led them to a boat alongside, which took them to safety. He then lowered another boat and brought it alongside. Although the vessel was now burning furiously and the heat was terrific, 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.

    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 to the lowered boat. Returning, he began to removed the debris from another officer who was trapped. 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. 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. He tied a rope around him and lowered him on to a raft which had returned to the ship in response to his calls. Again Mr Stronach continued his search for survivors and saw a greaser 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 in the burning vessel searching for survivors for an hour and 20 minutes. His action equals any in the annals of the Merchant Navy for great and unselfish heroism and determination in the fact of overwhelming odds.
     
  11. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, December 22, 1943:

    MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

    O.B.E.
    Captain John LENNIE, Master

    The ship, sailing in convoy, was torpedoed and severely damaged, the engines were stopped and she began to settle stern first. In spite of the explosive nature of the cargo the master determined to save his ship. When darkness set in all took to the boats and cruised around the ship until daylight, when she was re-boarded. Later the vessel was taken in tow by a tug and eventually arrived in port. Captain Lennie displayed great courage and outstanding qualities of leadership and set an inspiring example to his crew. Although she was an easy target for the enemy Captain Lennie remained by his ship, and by his determination and gallant leadership a valuable vessel was brought into port.
     
  12. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, January 26, 1944:

    MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

    O.B.E.
    Captain John Eric Walker WILSON, Master

    M.B.E.
    Robert Thompson WALTON, Second Officer

    A hospital ship, lying in Salerno Bay, was dive-bombed by enemy aircraft. Later in the day she was ordered to put to sea for the night, fully illuminated. Early the next morning she was about 45 miles out to sea in company with two other hospital ship, also fully illuminated, when she was again attacked by enemy aircraft and hit by bombs. Fire broke out and orders were given to get the nurses and patients away. The fire-fighting appliances had been put out of action, but the master and 17 volunteers remained on board. Two naval escorts came alongside and with the help of their fire-fighting equipment the fires were put out. Preparations were made for towing the ship to port, but eventually she had to be sunk by gunfire. All survivors were rescued.

    The master remained on board the fiercely burning ship throughout and did everything possible to save the vessel. His excellent organization was responsible for the saving of a large number of personnel, and his leadership set a fine example.

    The second officer, although wounded, helped to lower the boats from the blazing deck and later took charge of one of the boats and brought its occupants to safety.
     
  13. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, July 12, 1944:

    MERCHANT NAVY

    M.B.E.
    J.W. BARNETT, Second Officer, M.N.

    For outstanding devotion to duty and coolness when fire brook out in one of the magazines of his ship, which eventually blew up. With complete disregard of his own safety, he remained in the ship to fight the fire in exceedingly dangerous circumstances, and set an excellent example to all by his courage and determination.
     
  14. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, July 12, 1944:

    MERCHANT NAVY

    O.B.E.
    Captain J.M. BINNS, Master

    M.B.E.
    Mr W.H. CROSS, Ch. Officer
    Mr A.S. FRITH, Sec. Officer

    Their ship was torpedoed and sank in about 40 minutes, but, thanks to their courage, coolness, and leadership, the whole of the ship's company reached land unaided after a voyage of nine days.
     
  15. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, July 12, 1944:

    MERCHANT NAVY

    O.B.E.
    Captain G.A.H. KNOTT, Master

    M.B.E.
    Mr G. BLACKHALL, Third Officer
    Mr H.W.H. NORCLIFFE, First Radio Officer

    For determined and courageous efforts to save their ship when it was torpedoed and caught fire. In spite of their bravery in fire-fighting, the position became hopeless, and after 90 minutes the ship had to be abandoned.
     
  16. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, July 12, 1944:

    MERCHANT NAVY

    O.B.E.
    Captain G.P. PARKINSON, Master
    Mr G.H. FAIRLEM, Ch. Eng. Officer

    M.B.E.
    Mr T.R.. WINDUS, Ch. Officer

    B.E.M.
    J. SMITH, boatswain

    The ship, torpedoed and badly damaged, began to flood rapidly, and the crew left her and stood by in the boats. Eventually all reboarded the vessel, which, proceeding at a reduced speed under her own power and with pumps going, was brought to land and beached. The bulk of the cargo was saved, and the ship is now back in commission. Those named showed exceptional courage, coolness and leadership.
     
  17. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, July 12, 1944:

    MERCHANT NAVY

    B.E.M.
    N.E. LONGTHORPE, A.B.

    For outstanding courage and coolness in rescuing injured shipmates when their ship was sinking after severe damage by enemy action.
     
  18. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, December 6, 1944:

    MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

    The King has approved the following appointments and award for gallantry when a hospital ship from Normandy beaches with patients on board was sunk an hour after sailing:-

    O.B.E.
    Captain Harold PICKERING, master

    M.B.E.
    Robert Leonard STEPHENSON, chief officer
    Rena Howard WRIGHT, sec. officer

    B.E.M.
    Donald MacNEIL, quartermaster
     
  19. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, February 3, 1943:
    ALBERT MEDAL
    John Sedgwick GREGSON, apprentice

    The ship was set on fire by 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 was pinned under a raft. Gregson immediately went to his assistance and, with 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.
     
  20. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, February 3, 1943:

    AWARDS TO MERCHANT NAVY

    O.B.E.
    Captain Stanley BRUCE, master

    The ship, in convoy, was subjected to almost daily enemy attacks. An aircraft aimed two torpedoes at the vessel from about half a mile. The ship avoided these and, as the enemy came within range, intensive fire was opened and it is probably that the machine was hit. Captain Bruce displayed courage and seamanship in bringing his ship safely through.
     

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