Merchant Navy awards

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

  1. jono

    jono Junior Member

    this is my first post here and i hope someone here can help.im trying to trace details of an award recieved by my grandfather sometime during ww2.this may sound odd but im not sure if it was an m.b.e or an o.b.e.
    his name was John William Leask and was master of the ship s.s fenja.ive had some documents from the national archives but it doesnt seem to mention it.it looks he was awarded the atlantic star amongst others.there is also mention in the london gazette dated 13 feb 1940 of a john leask receiving an m.b.e and in the issue dated 8 june 1944 of a john william leask but im not sure exactly his award.im hoping all this is making sense.
    anyway the story in the family is that he was awarded the mbe/obe for his actions evacuating troops at Dunkirk.
    im new to all this medal research so im hoping someone here can give me a helpful shove in the right direction.thanks very much for reading

    Also posted here
    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/user-introductions/31633-merchant-navy-help-newbie.html
     
  2. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Hello and welcome,
    Could you give a date and place of birth as that may help?

    These are the Merchant Navy Leask surnames that were awarded medals other than campaign.
    LEASK, F.
    LEASK, G.A.
    LEASK, J.T.

    The only award to the ss FENJA was for Chief Engineer Alexander Carrol gazetted MBE in the 1944 Birthday Honours List (10 June 1944).
    [reply copied to your other thread]
    Regards
     
  3. John Crawford

    John Crawford Junior Member

    Post no.4 refers.



    D.C. Gilchrist was third officer aboard the Ellerman City Line steamer "CITY OF SHANGHAI" official number 140533 which was torpedoed in the early hours of 11 May 1941 by U-103 (Viktor Shultze) with the loss of 6 of her crew.
    Regards
    Hugh
    Derek Crawford Gilchrist was from Hexham,Northumberland. He was a Nephew of My Grandfather- John Crawford of Chester-le Street, Co. Durham.
    I have a copy of "Blue Hell" , a book written by Gilchrist describing the incident.
    I believe that he was a Solicitor in Gateshead after the war.

    John Crawford
     
  4. andrew campbell

    andrew campbell Junior Member

    From The Times, November 19, 1941:

    I am William (Bill) Clokes daughter.
    Thank you for posting this. I had not seen the "Times" quote before.
    In fact Dad was Chief Officer of the "Sheaf Don" at the time of the action and was promoted to Master shortly thereafter. As he descibed the action in later life, he was on watch on the bridge, and the gunner was shot so he took over the gun.
    I attended the Investure along with my mother, but, being under two at the time do not have any memory of it.
    Have attached a copy of request for Dads attendance at the Investiture.
    Note. He got to travel 1st class rail. We had to go 3rd class.
    Regards,
    Carol Campbell (nee Cloke)
     

    Attached Files:

  5. Yrubwen

    Yrubwen Junior Member

    Hello All
    This is my first time on this forum & I have seen this message (ARRANDORA STAR
    Joseph Brindley - Boatswain's mate received the award (ungazetted) #161
    I believe this may be my Uncle.He was born in 1903 in Fulham London but moved when young to Newbury Berkshire. Would there be any other info/records for him.
    Regards,
    Yrubwen
     
  6. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Hello and welcome,

    This may or may not be his medal file held in Kew in piece BT 395/1. It can be downloaded for £3.50 - there is not enough information to be 100% sure about this file though.


    His full service record [form CRS 10]from Jan, 1941, if it has suvived, should be held at Kew in piece reference BT 382/186
    It would be best if you were in a position to visit Kew to obtain the form CRS 10 as it is quite expesive to get online.
    Regards
    Hugh
     
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  7. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Post no. 229 refers.
    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.

    Both were serving aboard the coastal tanker "PASS OF BALMAHA" Bulk Oil SS Co, (James Cook & Co Ltd), built in 1933.

    London Gazette 17 February 1942 - For services during enemy air attacks in the Mediterranean. Viewing Page 757 of Issue 35457

    On a later voyage, on the 17th October 1941, with a different master and chief engineer, the ship was torpedoed and sunk by U-97 (Heilmann) off the coast of Egypt. There were no survivors. :poppy:

    Regards
    Hugh
     
  8. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    Emails from a passing chap, I've obfuscated his full name, but will invite to join.:
    Post 120 by Hugh MacLean, refers to trawler Ben Screel.
    This can't have been the 1914 Hall Russell Ben Screel as quoted, as she stranded and was lost on Girdleness, Aberdeen on 18th January 1933 while leaving for the fishing grounds.
    Aberdeen Ships | BEN SCREEL

    Regards,
    GW

    Further to my last email about the Ben Screel.
    The vessel was actually built by Hall Russell in 1915 as the Gertrude Cappleman.
    Aberdeen Ships | GERTRUDE CAPPLEMAN

    Regards,
    GW
     
  9. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Happy of course to be corrected if I have given incorrect information, but looking at post #120 as quoted, I fail to see where I have referred to a 1914 built BEN SCREEL.

    Regards
    Hugh
     
  10. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    Aye Hugh, just passing on the email.
    Hopefully the chap will join so he can chat more directly.
     
  11. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    No problem VP, discussion is encouraged and welcomed.
    Regards
     
  12. James S

    James S Very Senior Member

    Yesterday I was up on Cruit Island off Donegal's NW Coast and found this line of war graves in the local cemetery.:poppy:

    One is a 210 Squadon airman the only trace from his Catalina crew lost after leaving Lough Erne in April 1941, the other men are all Merchant Seamen , their ships sunk by some of the "aces".
    In the corner of the cemetery an Italian civilian from the Arandoran Star , sunk by Gunter Prien, just some of the scattered handful of men cast ashore on the West Coasts of Ireland and Scotland.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    These graves populate many isolated cemeteries along the West Coast and as in this case are within walking distance of the sea.

    Herbert Wohlfarth is the only U Boat commander associated with these war graves who survived the war. Rollmann and Prien were both killed.
    All three were awarded the Knights Cross , Prien being the first Oak Leaves holder in the U Boat arm.
    For all concerned , death was the great leveller - their constant companion for those above or beneath the waves.
     
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  13. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Thanks James - Lest we forget.
    Regards
    Hugh
     
  14. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Post no 393 refers.
    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.

    Cargo ship 'FORT LA MONTEE' official number 168386 built in 1942 Ministry of War Transport (MoWT). Caught fire in Algiers on 4th August 1943. Forepart blew up, stern sunk by gunfire.

    London Gazette 11 July 1944 - For services when the ship's magazine caught fire in harbour.

    BARNETT, John William - Second Officer - MBE(Civ)
    BRUCE, Maurice Oliver P/JX165598 - Petty Officer RN - BEM(Mil)
    LOVEDAY, Douglas Harold 5184038 - Bombadier RA - Posthumous MiD
    ANDERSON, John - Chief Engineer - Posthumous Commendation
    ANHOLM, Edgar Stenstrom - Chief Officer - Posthumous Commendation
    LEONARD, Clarence Victor - Carpenter - Posthumous Commendation
    SMITH, Francis Lauder Brabin - Third Officer - Posthumous Commendation

    Ungazetted award by Lloyd's.
    ANHOLM, Edgar Stenstrom - Chief Officer - Posthumous Lloyd's Meritorious Service Medal

    Regards
    Hugh
     
  15. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Post 253 refers.

    MERCHANT NAVY BRAVERY

    O.B.E.
    Hugh OWENS, chief engineer

    M.B.E.
    James William BELTON, chief officer

    The ship was damaged by a heavy air attack. The chief engineer and the chief officer showed bravery and initiative while towing and trying, under most hazardous conditions, to save another badly damaged vessel.

    'DESTRO' official number 144046 built in 1920 Ellerman Wilson Line.

    London Gazette 17 March 1942 - For services when the ship was damaged trying to save another ship.
    Regards
    Hugh
     
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  16. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Post no. 305 refers.
    MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

    O.B.E.
    Captain Edwin BENNETT, master

    B.E.M.
    Abdur Rahman x Sulaiman, officer's mess boy

    The ship was torpedoed and sank in 18 minutes. She was abandoned in good order in three boats. They stayed in the vicinity for 36 hours in the hope that help might come in answer to their S.O.S. and then sailed for the nearest land. The boats became separated, but all reached safety after 13 days. The master's leadership was outstanding. By his cheerful bearing the officers' mess boy kept up the moral of his fellow-countryment throughout the ordeal.

    'AUDITOR' official number 147260. Built in 1924 for Charante SS Company (T & J Harrison, (Mgrs))
    Torpedoed and sunk by U-123 (Hardegen) in the North Atlantic on 4th July 1941 with the loss of 1 Indian seaman.

    London Gazette 15 September 1942 - For services when the ship was torpedoed and sunk.

    Percy, Donald Oakman - Second Officer - Commendation
    Wells, Harry Tebbutt - Chief Officer - Commendation
    Bennett, Edwin - Captain - OBE(Civ)
    Ardur Rahman X Sulaiman - Officers' Messroom Boy BEM(Civ)

    I corresponded for a few years with the ship's second radio officer, George Monk, who taught me much. Sadly George passed away in December 2008 aged 91 - a true gentleman.

    Regards
    Hugh
     
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  17. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Post No 232 refers.
    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.


    British coaster 'KINDERSLEY' official number 129491 built in 1910, Ministry of War Transport [Denholm Line Steamers [mgrs].
    Bombed by enemy aircraft and damaged of Blyth on 17th August 1941. Survived the war.

    London Gazette 17 February 1942 - For services when the ship was bombed and damaged.
    Binnie, Harry Alexander - Chief Engineer - MBE(Civ)
    Goodfellow, Alfred - Captain - Commendation.

    Regards
    Hugh
     
  18. Teriel9

    Teriel9 Junior Member

    Hugh, Many thanks for your very full information. I was married to Capt Shute's daughter Jennifer Mary in 1956, sadly she passed away in 1970 at age 33 yrs, His wife Leonora also passed away a short while ago. I am very proud to be associated with such an extemely brave and resourceful man. Your kindness in researching this is greatly appreciated. Thanks Terry Ledwith
     
  19. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Terry,
    Welcome and thanks for your comments.

    I am very proud to be associated with such an extemely brave and resourceful man.
    And so you should be Terry.

    One thing that strikes me about many of the merchant seamen that I have researched over the years is typified by Capt Shute's experience.

    For example when researching a sinking or an individual whose ship was lost and he was fortunate enough to survive, further research on the person may then find that his next ship or a future one was lost to enemy action but the seaman did not survive. With the stakes so high for the survival of our country, ships had to be at sea constantly to enable us to continue in the war. It is little wonder that the mortality rate amoung merchant seamen was so high.


    Regards
    Hugh
     
  20. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    MERCHANT NAVY BRAVERY

    TORPEDOED CREWS BROUGHT TO SAFETY

    O.B.E.
    Captain Hugh Gordon Bradford BENTLEY, master

    M.B.E.
    Cyril Alexander SYDNEY, second officer

    The ship was hit by torpedoes and the whole of the after-part of the vessel burst into flames. Attempts were made to launch the midship boat, and a few survivors got into it. The boat was then hauled forward and those who were isolated on the forecastle head jumped clear and were picked up. Only then did the master order the boat away from the ship. Captain Bentley displayed courage throughout and, although injured, he took an active part in rescuing the survivors from the forecastle head.

    It was due to the bravery and cool judgement of the second officer that the boat was launched without capsizing.


    Post No. 340 refers.

    Tanker 'EMPIRE MICA' official number 164846, Anglo-American Oil Co (Ministry of War Transport/MoWT) built in 1941.
    Torpedoed by U-67 (Muller-Stockheim) and sunk in the Gulf of Mexico on 29th June 1942.

    London Gazette 5 January 1943 - For services when the ship was torpedoed and sunk.

    Bentley, Hugh Gordon Bradford - Captain - OBE(Civ)
    Sydney, Cyril Alexander - Second Officer - MBE(Civ)
    Rose, Harold Frederick - Chief Engineer - Commendation
    McIlwrath, Roderick - Chief Officer - Posthumous Commendation
    Steele, Joseph Young - Third Engineer Posthumous Commendation

    Regards
    Hugh
     

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