The Gallantry Medallists‟ League Newsletter

No 2/2009 December 2009

Patron: Field Marshal HRH The Duke of Kent KG GCMG GCVO ADC

Vice Patrons: Rear Admiral Sir Jeremy de Halpert KCVO CB Lieutenant General Sir Cedric Delves KBE DSO Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Johns GCB CBE LVO Sir Ronnie Flanagan GBE MA Major (Retired) JC Cowley OBE DCM

President: Lieutenant Colonel JRT Balding MBE GM RLC

Past Presidents: Major (Retired) JC Cowley OBE DCM Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) J Williams MBE DCM Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) J Gaff GM

In Flanders fields the poppies blow ......

The GM League Newsletter is published twice a year. Opinions expressed therein are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the GM League. Items may be reproduced by other publications provided due acknowledgement is given and the publication is not published for profit.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

John McCrae, May 1915

The Soldier If I should die, think only this of me: That there's some corner of a foreign field That is forever England. There shall be In that rich earth a richer dust concealed; A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware, Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam, A body of England's, breathing English air, Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home. And think, this heart, all evil shed away, A pulse in the eternal mind, no less Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given; Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day; And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness, In hearts at peace, under an English heaven. Rupert Brooke 1914

Page 1 of 24 Contents

Article Page

Editors Introduction 3 Message from the President 3 In Memoriam 4 In Memory of Other Level 2 Recipients 7 The Armed Forces Memorial 8 Service to Remember Military Sacrifices in Iraq 9 GM League AGM 2010 9 Remembrance Sunday 9 An Offensive Unreported 10 Muster 2010 11 Muster 2012 11 From the League Archives 12 The Sea Gallantry Medal 13 The Wreck of the ss Admella 14 Members Change of Address 15 Lapsed Memberships 16 The 200 Club Results 16 New Members 16 Veterans World 17 Data Protection 17 Brazen Imposter or Cowardly Walter Mitty 17 Shop Stock 18 Post Script 18 A Topical Tale 19 Did you Know That …… ? 19 No Puns Intended 19 Contact Details for Committee Members 20 Welfare and Benefits – A Members Guide 21 List of Merchant Navy George Medal Recipients 22

Page 2 of 24 Dear Members, that night. It was a fascinating read and we remain proud of him for his achievements

those 57 years ago. You can read the am grateful to the many members, who article in full at: have either written or emailed me with http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article- their thanks and thoughts about the new I 1206357/It-happened-I-survived-Lynmouth- format of the newsletter. I did explain that it Flood-Disaster.html may not be perfect and indeed I have to admit to one oversight already. The League were also represented at the Remembrance Sunday parade in Whitehall In relation to Membership Statistics on this year, once again ably led by our page 13, I omitted to include the DFM as Parade Marshal Mr Mike Knox who has one of the gallantry awards held by submitted a report later in this edition. I Friends; may I now humbly put the record note his concern that more Life Members straight. I would like to thank Mr John E could show support however I am grateful Regan from Melton Mowbray for rightly to those who made the annual trip to show pointing out my error and at the same time solidarity with our fallen comrades from apologise to him and Mr A McFall in past and present generations. Cornwall for omitting the DFM. Alas they are the only 2 recipients of the DFM I was unable to attend as I had the good currently amongst our ranks. fortune to be in Australia at the time. We

arrived in country at 0730 hours on Sunday In delving through the archive material that the 8th and after a quick refresh and change I hold, I can confirm that I have paper after the 24 hour journey, I set off on the copies of every Newsletter produced since short walk from our hotel in Sydney to the 1995. If any member would like a back ANZAC memorial with some military copy then please let me know and I will colleagues. At 1100 hours we laid a wreath send it out. and held our own 2 minute silence. ……………. Editor Interestingly, also holding their own act of remembrance at the same time were a few Message from the President Brits from Doncaster who were visiting family relatives in Sydney. We learnt that th I was delighted to see that our Past Australians mark Armstice Day on 11 Chairman Mr Derek Harper featured in a November each year, with the act of full page article in the supplement to the remembrance at 1100 hours. They also Daily Mail in August. The article entitled “It celebrate ANZAC Day in April with an early happened to me.... I survived the Lynmouth morning ceremony. I was fortunate to have Flood Disaster” recounts Derek‟s attended an ANZAC Day ceremony on my endeavours on the first trip to Australia in 1989. night of 15 August 1952 to save the I must also inform the League that our RAF residents of Vice Patron Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Lynmouth and to Johns offered to step down as Vice Patron raise the alarm in a as his other commitments, especially village that had charity work and residual service duties, been cut off by 24 have kept him pretty busy as indeed have hours of torrential domestic demands. He is also much rain. Derek, aged further away from the operational centre of 24 at the time and a the League. At the committee meeting on policeman on his 12 September, the Committee reluctantly first posting, agreed to accept his offer however I have received the George Medal for his actions asked Sir Richard to remain in post until

Page 3 of 24 such time as we find a suitable his wound and paying no regard to the replacement. fusillade of shots and bazookas aimed at him, he charged through a mound of rubble Sir Richard and Lady Johns will be missed which had been a house and on to the by the League, we always felt extremely house where the enemy were, followed by welcome at Norman Tower and on behalf three men. Throwing a grenade in through of all members I would like to wish Sir the window, he charged in after it and laid Richard a happy retirement and safe out the enemy inside with his Sten. So sailing. quickly did he carry out this important task that the attack was not held up for a May I also take this opportunity to wish all moment. There is no doubt at all that Sgt members and their families a merry Fowlers outstanding courage and Christmas and a prosperous new year to determination in the face of great danger you all. were largely responsible for the success of the attack and for the saving of In Memoriam considerable casualties among the tanks. On the objective being captured the platoon I have the sad duty to report the deaths of came under heavy machine gun fire for the following League members: enemy posts in a Bund a short distance off. Any movement was extremely dangerous Mr RM Fowler DCM as the position was open and raked by this Mr KW Nash GM fire. Despite this and despite the leg Mr JE Jones DCM wound and considerable loss of blood, Sgt Mr HW Roxborough GM Fowler again decided to attack these posts Wing Commander WE Thomas OBE AFC as he knew his platoon would suffer Mr GW Jones DCM casualties unless action was taken. With Mr HH Ashby DCM three men he worked his way forward to within close range of the first post, which he Mrs B Mant then rushed at the head of his men, firing Mrs FM Pearson from the hip as he went. Having knocked Mrs EM Hann out this post he continued to deal with two other Spandau posts, killing or taking “At the going down of the sun and prisoner all the enemy. Throughout the battle, Sgt Fowler‟s bearing and complete in the morning, disregard of danger were absolutely first we will remember them” class, while his aggressive determination and magnificent bravery were outstanding No 2756619 Sergeant Robert Martin even upon an occasion when so many Fowler 5th Bn The Black watch (Royal brave deeds were being done. Highland Regiment) No 21018045 Sergeant (Acting Staff- North West Europe: On 25th March 1945 Sergeant) Kenneth Walter Nash RAOC during the fighting in Rees, a platoon was ordered to attack with the help of tanks a The King has been graciously pleased to strong pocket of enemy which was holding approve the award of the George Medal in up a neighbouring Battalion. As the attack recognition of gallant conduct in carrying started, a bazooka was fired at the tanks at out hazardous work in a very brave close range, and missing the tanks, manner. wounded Sgt Fowler, the Platoon Sergeant in the leg. Appreciating that this post must be knocked out, Sgt Fowler attacked this post at once. Ignoring the intense pain of

Page 4 of 24 cut through the window bars and let himself Guardsman John Elwyn Jones 2nd Bn down to the ground by a rope. He Welsh Guards succeeded in boarding a Swedish ship at Stettin and after hiding in the water ballast Escaped Prisoner of War: Jones was tanks whilst the vessel was leaving captured in the defence of Boulogne on 23 Germany, and beneath a boiler whilst the May 40 and six days later made his first Swedish customs‟ search was taking place, attempt to escape. Avoiding the guards Jones reached the British Legation at who were mounted on motor cycles, he Stockholm on 24 April 44. This man‟s jumped off the road into a hedge. perseverance as an escaper was most Unfortunately he ran into a German NCOO meritorious. near Amiens and was eventually taken via Lamsdorf to a working camp at Laband. 1944 - Lieutenant Hugh Willmott Here he found he could get out of camp Roxborough GM Home Guard without much difficulty, but felt this was insufficient and used his freedom to contact The King has been graciously pleased to two Polish girls with a view to obtaining approve the award of the George Medal in their assistance in leaving Germany. In recognition of conspicuous gallantry in March 1942 he and his companion were carrying out hazardous work in a very detected returning to camp, and thereafter brave manner when, as an officer in the they were more closely watched. From this Home Guard, he was undertaking a training time onwards he was moved to various session in the use of hand grenades. One working camps, and whenever he decided of the class pulled out the pin of the that the camp did not favour an escape grenade and dropped it and, in the five attempt, he feigned sickness in order to get seconds or so before the detonation, Lt a transfer. Roxborough threw himself on the grenade to mitigate its effects. As a result, he lost In April 43 he was billeted with German both of his arms and was seriously injured. guards at Munstenberg, and discovering that access could be gained through a door Wing Commander WE Thomas OBE AFC to the adjoining roof, he and two other P/W escaped. They had reached Sternbeck in "Tim" Thomas's parents first took him flying Czechoslovakia when they were when he was just five years old. He last apprehended by a gamekeeper. AT took the controls of an aircraft 80 years Ratibor he planned to escape with a Pole, later in a birthday-present flight over the and when the Pole decided not to take the Algarve. In the years between he flew risk, Jones chose two Naval P/Ws as his many types of aircraft, ranging from bi- companions. During November 43 as they plane Tiger Moths to supersonic Javelins were being handed over by the guard to a and Lightnings. He was at the controls of a civilian overseer they slipped away into the Blenheim 1 light bomber in 1941 when he darkness and jumped over that factory wall was shot down over Holland and crashed into the road. After joining the Polish into the sea. After his capture and Partisan Army at Lelow they were arrested treatment for severe injuries, he was held by Germans at Zawiercie on 5 December for well over three years in the Stalag Luft 43. III prisoner of war camp, where he took part in the tunnelling operations made famous in Jones next attempt was early February 44: The Great Escape. with another Naval P/W he managed to cut the wire and evade the sentry at Long after the Second World War, it was as Pieskretschan, but they were detected at the commanding officer of RAF Labuan, in Sosnowiec five days later. His final escape Malaysia, during the Indonesian took place in April 44 at Derschau, when he confrontation period, that he was awarded

Page 5 of 24 the OBE. Malaysia was one of several to flag and he set a fine example of energy overseas postings, his last being in and devotion to duty under the most difficult Germany, where he met his wife-to-be, circumstances and his conduct had an Sybille. On retiring from the RAF in 1967 he inspiring effect on the troops around him. joined the production of The Battle of Britain, flying German Heinkels and Pte Herbert Hector Ashby DCM Messerschmitts during five months of 2/48th Australian Infantry Battalion filming in Spain. North Africa: For courage, leadership and Following his subsequent 15-year career in determination to fight on against great odds management consultancy in Germany and for a period of 15 hours although his Saudi Arabia, Wing Commander and Mrs section was isolated from the remainder of Thomas came to live permanently in the the Company. Algarve in 1985, although Tim continued his association with the British forces, At Tel el Eisa on 22 Jul 1942, Pte Ashby engaging in charity work on behalf of was in command of his Section, in an disadvantaged and disabled ex-service attack on strong German positions. The personnel and their families. attack was commenced at 0615 hours and early in the advance the Company received Sergeant George Wilfred Jones DCM heavy casualties from artillery and machine 6th Battalion The Cheshire Regiment gun fire. All the officers were killed or wounded and Pte Ashby‟s Section became Italy: On 16th September 1943, No 8 isolated from the remainder of the Platoon, 6 Cheshire (MMGs) was Company. After assaulting and subduing occupying a defensive position in the several enemy machine gun posts, the locality of 2/5 Queen‟s . Sgt Jones Section was held up by intense fire from commanded a Section of this Platoon, the front and flanks. Although at times his which was in a position on a railway cutting. position appeared to be impossible he flatly The troops were very tired as they had refused to consider withdrawal and insisted been continuously in action since 9th on fighting on. By his alertness and fire September 1943. Shortly before dawn the control he was able to release from capture enemy attacked on the front of 2/5 Queen‟s a crew of three from a Valentine tank and with armoured cars and infantry. The two members of his Section, killing or enemy pressed their attack strongly against wounding all the enemy who had seized the particular locality in which Sgt Jones‟ them. Section was established. Owing to enemy infiltration very close to the Platoons With great personal courage he sniped position, one of Sgt Jones‟ guns was put continuously at enemy nearby and by his out of action. He continued to fight with leadership and dogged determination great determination with the remaining gun inspired his men who inflicted heavy and the moment there was a slight lull in casualties on the enemy during an the battle he got his second gun into action engagement lasting all day. again with great success. Subsequently, when his Platoon Commander became a A photograph of Pte HH Ashby receiving his casualty, he continued to fight the Platoon DCM appears in the Archive section....Editor with energy and determination and the action of this Platoon contributed greatly to In Memory of Other Level 2 Recipients the successful repulse of the attack on the front of 2/5 Queen‟s. Although not members of our League, we also remember Jack Wong Sue DCM, Mike Sergeant Jones himself was very Newcombe GM and Freda Holland GM exhausted but he never allowed his efforts who all recently died.

Page 6 of 24 Mike Newcombe GM further information was required on behalf of 9 Australian Division he volunteered to Mike Newcombe was awarded the George enter Borneo again. On 29 May 45 with his Medal for outstanding bravery in Northern party leader and another NCO and one Ireland whilst serving as a bomb disposal st native, Sgt Wongsue was inserted by operator during the period 1 May – 31 July Catalina into the strongly held Beaufort 1973. area near Brunei Bay.

Jack Wong Sue DCM After a reconnaissance of the situation on “Z” Special Unit (Royal Australian Air 31 May 45, the party leader discovered that Force) the railway station master at Bingowan was

North West Borneo – From 3 March to 15 a Chinese named Ah Lee known to him in August 45 this NCO displayed leadership, pre war days. In a particular daring gallantry and cold-blooded courage of the operation, covered at close range by the highest order. On 3 March 45 Sgt Wong party leader and the other NCO, Sgt Sue was a member of a small party of 4 Wongsue entered Bingowan railway station Officers and 3 NCOs who entered British staffed and guarded by Japanese and in North Borneo knowing: broad daylight extracted Ah Lee from the station for the party leader to interrogate. That there was a large price on the head During the next 8 days, this NCO checked of the leader of the party as a result of the information passed on by Ah Lee and at his previous mission into the area great personal risk watched hundreds of (enemy posters were found bearing his Japanese move down the railway line. The portrait and offering a reward of $15,000 information thus received and passed on for him dead or alive). was of the highest importance to 9 Australian Division. That having left the submarine there was no chance of withdrawal. From 29 May 45 to 7 June 45, this small party operated in the heart of the most That the coast was strongly held by the strongly held area of British North Borneo, enemy and continuously patrolled by necessarily on the alert 24 hours of the land and sea. day.

The landing was made by rubber boat and On 7 June 45, this NCO with the party, was canoe midway between two strong enemy extracted by Catalina and a few weeks later posts at Tegahanf and Pura Pura 3 miles returned to the interior of Borneo where his apart. Owing to the hostility of the natives, work continued to be of great value and 250 miles were travelled by canoe at night earned the highest praise of his before finding a friendly contact enabling Commander. the party to move inland. This cold- blooded courage was required to make a Freda Holland landing of the type above described is worthy of the highest commendation. Freda Holland almost died when she braved smoke and flames to get 15 babies Whilst in the interior, this NCO did out of the blazing magnificent work in gathering intelligence, Dellwood Maternity organising native guerrillas and harassing Hospital, Liebenrood the enemy, capturing considerable Road, West Reading, quantities of Japanese equipment and on 18 April 1954. She killing numbers of the enemy. In addition, was left in a coma on 21 May 45, this NCO was extracted by with serious burns - Catalina with his party leader and when but made a full

Page 7 of 24 recovery. Sadly only 2 of the babies colleagues who loved them and who live survived despite her heroism. She died on with the pain and consequences of their 16 November 2009, at the age of 97. loss every day.

The Armed Forces Memorial The National Memorial Arboretum is located on Croxall Road, Alrewas, near The memorial is the first national memorial Lichfield in Staffordshire. The postcode is dedicated to the men and women of the DE13 7AR. United Kingdom Armed Forces (Regular and Reserve) killed on duty or as a result of By Car: M1 (southbound) - exit at Junction terrorist action since the Second World 28 and take the A38 south bypassing War. Derby and Burton or exit at Junction 24 and take the A50 west until you reach the A38 The start date is 1st January 1948, which south. follows on directly from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission which M1 (northbound) - exit onto M6 north and commemorates those who died up to 31st exit M6 at Junction 4 taking the A446 north December 1947. The one exception is for until it joins the M42 north - exit at those killed in Palestine who are included Tamworth and take the A5 west until you on the Memorial. reach the A38 Derby/Burton exit.

M6 (southbound) - exit at Junction 12 and take the A5 south until you reach A38 exit.

M54 (eastbound) - exit at Junction 1 and take A460 towards Cannock passing over M6, continue towards Cannock - turn right onto A5 south and then leave A5 at A38 The Armed Forces Memorial at Alrewas, Lichfield Burton/Derby exit.

Unlike the World War memorials in towns For cyclists: National Cycle Route 54 runs and villages across the nations, there is from Lichfield to Burton on Trent through nowhere that records the names of those Alrewas. Leave the route at the crossing of who have been killed on duty since 1945. the A513 and turn towards Tamworth. This gives a safe crossing of the A38 and a well During this period the men and women of signposted route of about a mile to the the Armed and Merchant Services have Arboretum. taken part in more than 50 operations and conflicts across the world, often as part of Travelling by Train: The nearest railway United Nations, NATO or other international stations are Lichfield Trent Valley and coalitions. These actions have ranged from Lichfield City. Tamworth and Burton are hot war to peacekeeping; from also close by. The Arboretum is within a humanitarian assistance to fighting 15/20 minute taxi journey from any of these terrorism; from the jungles of Malaysia to stations. the storms of the South Atlantic; from the streets of Aden to the streets of Northern Opening Times - The Armed Forces Ireland. Memorial will be open every day except Christmas Day from 9 in the morning until 5 It is not just Service men and women who in the evening. have made sacrifices. Behind every name on the Memorial there are the wives, husbands, partners, parents, children and

Page 8 of 24 Service to Remember Military Sacrifices then please let the Secretary know in in Iraq writing so that it can be added to the agenda. Those wishing to attend should let A service of remembrance to mark the end the Secretary know, including their car of combat operations in Iraq and to honour details and registration number if parking is British military and civilian personnel who required. In usual fashion, a repayment served in Iraq was held at St Paul's lunch will be booked following the AGM Cathedral, London, on Friday 9th October although we have not yet confirmed a 2009 attended by Her Majesty The Queen location for lunch. and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Remembrance Sunday 8th November 2009 Veterans and relatives of the 179 killed took part in the service and the Archbishop Cool with a westerly wind, overcast with of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, used his light drizzle becoming heavier at midday. address to praise the efforts of the troops in That was the forecast for the day. As it Iraq. happened, that was exactly the weather.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: This however did not dampen the spirits of those members of the Gallantry Medallists‟ "This service provided an opportunity to League who volunteered to march past the remember the enormous contribution made Cenotaph this year. by some 120,000 members of the UK Armed Forces and their civilian colleagues Some members started earlier in the who served in Iraq over six years. weekend by attending the Royal British Legion‟s Festival of Remembrance the "In particular it will be a time to remember previous evening at the Albert Hall. For the ultimate sacrifice made by those who others it meant an early start from home. died and who contributed to the greater peace and stability that exists in Iraq By ten o‟clock, we were all formed up and today." ready to march into Whitehall to take our place. We were third column from the GM League AGM - 17th April 2010 Downing Street side of Whitehall and about fourth group from the front of the column. I can confirm that the newly installed Constable and Governor of the Castle Air The RBL had changed the format slightly Marshal Ian Macfadyen CB OBE FRAeS and in addition to the Column Numbers has agreed to Windsor Castle continuing to assigned to each group so that they could be deemed as the HQ of the League. be identified by commentators; the right Accordingly the League will hold its 2010 and left markers were issued arm bands, AGM there on 17th April 2010 commencing again so that they could be identified by not at 1030. Please put this date in your diary only the media but by all the thousands of now although more detail will follow in due spectators who gave up a couple of hours course. It is hoped that members can to pay respect or simply to enjoy the meet up earlier and share refreshments spectacle. together prior to the meeting. The guns sounded at 11 o‟clock to mark All Members are invited to attend, after all it the two minutes‟ silence. The marchers is your League and we welcome your were able to see the ceremony of the laying thoughts on what the League should be of the wreaths by the Queen, the remainder doing for its membership. If you wish to of the Royal family including the Duke of raise any item for discussion at the meeting Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Prince William,

Page 9 of 24 Princess Anne, the Princess Royal and the An Offensive Unreported Duke of Kent, followed by representatives By Major Seed of the commonwealth. A short but (from “The Ribbon” January 1932) nonetheless moving service followed. You may have listened to many At last, it was time to get the circulation experiences of your friends in the late war, back into our feet and start marching. Our but the best or worst of them all was tame wreath was passed over to the Legion compared with the story of the common representatives at the Cenotaph enemy (the louse). Unlike the German, the accompanied by an “Eyes Left” as we louse was not of such importance as to made our way down towards Parliament warrant calling the War Council together Square and round the corner. The crowds but many of the greatest battles of war were still appreciative as we made another were with this enemy. No medals were right turn and headed back towards awarded; the decoration in many cases Horseguards parade. What the public don‟t was more lasting. see on the television is the salute taken by normally one of the Royal Household The rascal has many legs, on the tractor opposite the Guards‟ memorial. This year type, one might say, built on the lines of a Prince William took it and our Right Marker British tank, and about as hard to gave the “Eyes left” this time. We made exterminate. In addition to its weapons it our way into Horseguards and formed up, has a wonderful recruiting system and is watching the remaining columns come in. most persistent when on the offensive. At Midday, the bells chimed and the They found us in billets and dugouts where National Anthem sounded, signalling that they took advantage of the unsuspecting the formal part of the parade, at least, was and sleeping, examining his topmost over. possessions, cutting through obstructions and infesting the entire system of defence. As with other groups it has now become The rifle and hand grenade cannot be used tradition to go for lunch together and this satisfactorily against the enemy; it would be year was no exception with a lunch held at dangerous and ineffective. the Union Jack Club. The dress when hunting this rascal is most Numbers this year were approximately the primitive in style, and not at all suitable for same as last year, with 12 marching. We cold weather. No style of camouflage will had 18 tickets allocated and it is becoming fool him; he is wholly devoid of all artistic apparent that Friends of the League are taste. Our friend the Secretary of the making up our numbers, and whilst this is League must have had some experience in always very much appreciated, one cannot this class of hunting as he told a friend of help thinking that Life Members could do mine that “he didn‟t know they worked a more. skin game. They are fine for a fellow who has other troubles; they make a fellow feel So, many thanks to those, not so young like a quorum. Why I got so that in signing and not so old, who came along, I hope you a letter I would write, „we remain, yours enjoyed it and come along to next march- truly.‟ I felt like a community. You can past and to those considering it, please scratch me for any more of that kind.” come along next year and support the League! The Secretary certainly has the correct idea; forever under shell fire it was usually of more importance to capture an aggressive louse than to see whether a particular shell was coming your way or not; in fact a direct hit might be a relief in

Page 10 of 24 some instances. The louse is very forward, Muster 2012 inquisitive and even affectionate. When he strikes pay dirt he sends out a wireless for Planning has already commenced for the the reserves, and soon a multitude of Muster in 2012, many of you may not have friends and relatives respond. From that realised that 2012 will be the 81st time on it is open season for louse hunting. anniversary of the founding of the League. The committee have agreed to hold the Boys, if you have never had the Muster at the Royal Hospital School at experience, go to France. Sleep in a Holbrook near Ipswich as it has the dugout, and then put in your spare time potential for a fantastic event. Originally louse hunting. You will enjoy home life founded in 1712 as part of Greenwich much more after. Hospital, a „charitable institution for the aged, infirm or young‟, the school moved to Muster 2010 its present site at Holbrook in 1933 and is set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside The Committee are well engaged into the overlooking the River Stour on the Shotley planning for the Muster next year. Peninsula in an area known as Constable Although we have yet to confirm the dates Country. of 25 – 27 June 1010 to coincide with Armed Forces Day 2010, the intent is to The Muster will coincide with the return to Warwick after a very successful tercentenary celebrations of the school and weekend there in June 2008. the League will be part of those celebrations. The format would slightly change in that we are planning a “meet and greet” supper on the Friday evening, some planned visits during Saturday followed by a formal dinner in the evening. Sunday morning will now feature in the programme with a morning parade and inspection for Life Members and Friends of the League, followed by a short memorial service for all.

Costs will be kept to a minimum and the League will subsidise some of the costs. Please support your committee and the League by attending the Muster, they are The Royal Hospital School at Holbrook great events made even better by a large turnout of members. Details will follow God willing I will be at both Musters, will shortly however it is most likely that the you? Muster will take place during the second half of June 2010 so please make a note in your diaries to keep those weekends free until we go firm on a date. Once the date is confirmed, I will invite our Patron to attend as our guest of honour and I hope he will be able to find the time to honour us with his presence.

Page 11 of 24 From the League Archives conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner.”

The following photograph is reproduced from an early edition of the Ribbon where it was titled “Boys of the Chelsea School”

Sapper John William Gregory Gleaves (top) and Corporal Walter Leslie Bowman of 2/6th Field Company, Royal Australian Engineers receive the George Medal from the General-Officer- Commanding the AIF (ME), Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Blamey at a parade in Gaza, Palestine 1942.

F Bird DCM (Standing) - Awarded the DCM for devotion to duty and good service at the Battle of Omdurman, Sudan 2 September 1898

E Collier DCM (Left) – 2nd Manchester Regiment Awarded the DCM for taking a message under enfiladed fire during the Boer War, 6 January, 1901

W Ilsley DCM (Right) - Awarded the DCM on 17 January 1885 whilst serving with the Heavy Camel Corps at the Battle of Abu Klea against the Mahdi in the Sudan. Seeing Viscount St Vincent on the ground wounded and a native about to spear him, he despatched the native with his bayonet. Corporal Bowman and Sapper Gleaves

Their London Gazette entry of 18 Nov 1941 states – “The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Medal in recognition of

Page 12 of 24 sea. Foreigners who have displayed gallantry in foreign ships in saving the lives of British subjects are eligible for Board of Trade Gold and Silver Medals „for Foreign Services‟, a medal that dates from 1839. In all cases these awards are made by the Sovereign on the recommendation of the President of the Board of Trade, or successor.

They carry no pecuniary grant: there is as yet no published list of persons who have received them, although awards to British subjects are now notified in The London Gazette. The ribbon and medal are worn on the left breast, and holders are entitled to append the letters SGM after their names; these letters stand for Sea Gallantry Medal. The Board of Trade's authority to issue such medals for gallantry at sea in British ships is derived not from Royal Warrant but from the Merchant Shipping Acts of 1854 and 1894, 677 (i) (L). They are the only

Private Hebert Hector Ashby, 2/48th Australian Infantry medals now current that are issued under Battalion, having the DCM ribbon pinned on him by the the authority of Parliament, and the ribbon General-Officer-Commanding the AIF (ME), is scarlet with two narrow white vertical Lieutenant-General Sir Leslie Morshead, at a parade stripes. at Main Headquarters, 9th Australian Division in North Africa.

Sea Gallantry Medal Ribbon Editors Note ….. It was only when I wrote to Australia to ask Herbert for permission to use this picture that his family told me that Herbert had passed away in February this year.

The Sea Gallantry Medal

(Officially The Board of Trade Medal for Saving Bronze Victorian Sea Gallantry Medal 1855 Life at Sea) When the medal was instituted it covered “An Award for Civil Gallantry at Sea in all acts of gallantry at sea at whatever level Great Britain and its Empire” (ie including the highest). Later came the Albert Medal for Gallantry at Sea The first official medal for gallantry for (eventually superseded by the George British citizens dates from 1854 and is the Cross). Nowadays the SGM is treated as a Board of Trade Medal for Saving Life at level 3 gallantry award (ie equivalent to a Sea (SGM) in silver and bronze. The Queen‟s Gallantry Medal, or a medal is available to foreigners serving in Distinguished Service Cross (when British ships for gallantry in saving life at awarded for gallantry – most are awarded

Page 13 of 24 for distinguished, but not gallant, service). The Admella was sailing from Adelaide to The last award of a Sea Gallantry Medal Melbourne when she struck Carpenters was made in March 1989 for a gallant act in Reef on the Southern Coastline of South March 1987. Australia. A design fault in her iron hull caused the ship to break into three after When the author first enquired about only 15 minutes, leaving passengers and viewing the official register some years ago crew clinging to the wreckage with minimal he was informed that it was missing, and so water and food. he set about trying to reconstruct it. The author is now left with about 600 names Early attempts to reach land were fruitless; and dates of incidents from the era 1856 to people were swept out to sea or drowned in 1876 in which to identify the actual the boiling surf. It was nearly two days later incidents, in order to complete the task. As when two seamen, Knapmann and Leach, part of this identification process the wreck made it to shore and made a 20-mile walk of the Admella (see below) came to light. to Cape Northumberland lighthouse to raise the alarm. The Wreck of the ss Admella th The lighthouse was without telegraph and 6 August 1859 so lighthouse keeper Mr Germain, whose own horse had died a few days earlier, had Admella - she was named after the towns to trek to a nearby farm to borrow a horse on her circuit [Adelaide, Melbourne, in order to reach Mount Gambier and to Launceston] - was an iron-built screw- inform authorities in Adelaide 450km north propelled steamer, built in Port Glasgow, in th east and Portland 150km west. The Corio 1857. She was wrecked on 6 August left from Adelaide and the Ladybird from 1859, when she ran onto the Carpenter Portland but, due to poor information, both Rocks, SE of South Australia. There were rescue boats had difficulty locating the now 89 people lost, including 14 children; and desperate Admella. 24 survivors. A desperate and dangerous rescue operation was mounted in order to Meanwhile the wreck was battered by the try and save the passengers and crew. heavy swell. Captain McEwan shared out what little food remained and had to The wreck of the ss Admella in the early prevent survivors from drinking salt water, hours of August 6th 1859 was only the which had begun to take the lives of those beginning of a horrific week for those who drank it. Others, exhausted by their survivors who were forced to remain on ordeal, simply slipped into the sea to their board, in sight of land, while authorities death. In the words of one lifeboat captain struggled to rescue them from the stricken they were "...more like statues than human steamer. The loss of 89 lives, mostly due to beings; their eyes fixed, their lips black for cold and exposure, makes the wreck one of want of water, and their limbs bleached the worst maritime disasters in Australian white and swollen through exposure to the history. relentless surf..." It was the first major rescue incident that In Adelaide, the news of the disaster involved the cooperation of a large number brought hundreds of people to the of organisations and individuals across the telegraph office to hear the story as it newly formed colonies of Victoria and unfolded, and both Houses of Parliament South Australia. In many ways it was the adjourned. basis of joining together these isolated communities into a regional group, and was On Wednesday 10th, it was reported that the beginning of many ongoing the Corio was beside the wreck and that organizations across the south east of around 20 survivors were still on board. Australia. Those on shore lit fires to help the vessel stay near the wreck site.

Page 14 of 24 Over the next few days, several rescue Sea Lord saying that it was not available to attempts were made by the Corio and RN personnel. I replied that several Ladybird rescue boats. Rockets were fired prominent RN people had received it, to try to get lines aboard but mountainous including Admiral of the Fleet Lord Jellicoe, seas and severe storms continually drove Admiral Max Horton, Admiral Lord the rescuers back and lives were lost as Mountevans of the Broke, all when serving the lifeboats were swamped. Further as lieutenants, and that an actual serving attempts were made to launch one of admiral, Rear Admiral Sir Christopher Admella's own lifeboats, which had washed Craddock, was awarded one too when he ashore and patched with soap and canvas, and Max Horton were involved in saving but it too was unsuccessful. the Royal family from a wreck on the North African coast in 1911! I‟ve heard nothing By Saturday, eight days after the wreck, the on this subject from the RN since, and the Admella's lifeboat and the Corio's boat SGM still receives no publicity in the were launched from the beach and RN/MOD, yet it predates the VC! I suspect managed to crash through the surf and that such mention would now be an reach the wreck. Eventually three people anathema, as my impression is that the made it to shore in one boat, but the powers that be wish to quietly drop the second boat capsized, drowning a man SGM in favour of the QGM, thus making saved from the wreck. the VC the award of greatest longevity! The lifeboat Portland, which had been towed to the scene by the Lady Bird had Article written and submitted by Bernard de Neumann, the League‟s Advisor on Naval Awards made an earlier attempt to reach the wreck but was driven back by the raging seas. Change of Address – Plea from the Now it was finally successful in coming President alongside the wreck and the remaining 19 survivors jumped and fell into the boat. Regretfully I must inform you that following They were transferred to the Lady Bird the issue of the last newsletter the which returned to Portland. The lifeboat is Secretary has received in excess of 30 now housed in the Portland Maritime copies returned with comments such as Museum. “gone away” or “no longer at this address”. Following the commission of inquiry into the I must admit that I thought we had wreck of the Admella, the loss was stemmed the tide of returned newsletters attributed to the effects of a current which and had managed to produce an accurate pushed the vessel off course, although members list. investigations were also held into a magnetic disturbance in the area of Cape Keeping our records accurate is not a Northumberland which may have affected straightforward task and I continue to urge the compasses on iron hulled ships. The members and their families to let the inquest also resulted in the installation of Secretary know when you change address the telegraph at the Cape Northumberland so we can update our records accordingly lighthouse. and keep you informed.

If you have an email address, then please In all 35 bronze, five silver, and one silver let us know that too as we can then send “foreign services”, medals were awarded the newsletter by that means. for this event.

About five years ago I noticed that the SGM was not mentioned on the RN website that mentioned gallantry awards so I contacted them, and received a curt reply from the 2nd

Page 15 of 24 From the Treasurer - Lapsed Memberships The 200 Club

The following memberships have The 200 Club draw results are below. temporarily lapsed as the annual Although called the 200 Club, we do not yet subscriptions have not been paid this year. have 200 ticket holders. Anyone wishing to All subscriptions were due by Standing purchase a ticket, or more tickets should Order but have not been paid however I contact the Treasurer whose details are at note this is usually a problem in the the end of the newsletter. banking system. The results of the draw conducted following As the banks will only permit the account the Committee meeting held on 12th holder to rectify the payment with his/her September 2009 are as follows: bank, the following are requested to take action with their bank to ensure subs are 1st Prize - £60 Mr JL Barron paid without delay. 2nd Prize - £36 Mr E Watkins £10 subscriptions were due in January 2009, or on joining if later, and each 3rd Prize - £30 Mr SJ Neville January thereafter. The League has its bank account with Barclay‟s Bank, account 4th prize - £16 Capt RJ Robinson number 70777625, sort code 20-90-91. 5th Prize - £16 Mr B Pawley  Mr NG Calder MC Folkestone, Kent. Cheques have been sent to all the winners  Mr SD Campbell QGM RVM and the next draw will take place in Warrington. February 2010.  Mr JA Crossley MC, Beckford, nr Tewksbury, Gloucestershire. New Members

 Mr N Finch AFC QGM Longmorn, I am pleased to report several new Moray. members to the League:

 Mr WF Harris MM Bracknell. Life Members

 Mr JA McCormick QGM Woodbridge, SSgt SW Dixon GM RLC Suffolk. Honorary Members  Mr WJ Rainey QGM, Bangor, Co Down, Northern Ireland. Mrs EE Gulston

Mrs Toni O‟Donnell  Mr SVE Robson MC Winchester.

 Mr VM Strafford QGM+, Westy, I would like to welcome you all to our ranks Warrington. and hope you will all find time to take a full and active part in the League activities,  Mr MR Tomlinson CGC Bridgewater, “United we Stand”. Somerset. If I have missed anyone, my apologies but  Mr IM Wheelwright, Mansfield, do let me know so I can put things right in Nottinghamshire. the next newsletter, mea culpa.

 Mr S Willey MC, Middlesbrough, Cleveland.

Page 16 of 24 Veterans’ World Magazine recognise this commitment, the Government is taking steps to make sure The Veterans-UK website (www.veterans- life for all members of the Armed Forces uk.info) is your one-stop shop to find out community as uncomplicated as possible. about the help available to you. It is run by the Service Personnel and Veterans The Nations Commitment means all Agency which is an agency of the Ministry Government departments working together of Defence. to:

Health - As an Armed Forces Veteran, you  Show their commitment to the may be able to get priority treatment on the Armed Forces, and our thanks for NHS for medical conditions caused by your your service. time in service. A major campaign has been undertaken to ensure all doctors are  Remove problems you might face as fully informed about this. Ask yours for a result of being required to move more details. We are working with the around the UK or the world, (for Department of Health to ensure that there instance, difficulties in getting a is much better understanding throughout house or finding a doctor). the NHS and beyond, of how the health needs of veterans can differ from those of  Provide better support if you have others. been wounded in Service.

Sometimes, veterans feel that they need You can find out more at www.mod.uk/spcp help with the psychological effects of This website also has contact details for service, for example effects of serving on organisations that can help you claim for deployed operations. There are specialist everything you are entitled to claim. community mental health pilots for veterans in six areas of the country. (Your doctor, or Data Protection an organisation like Combat Stress, can refer you to one of these or you can self In order to facilitate the efficient running of refer, in complete confidence.) These the League, we need to hold your personal entitlements can also be claimed by war details on a computer. To comply with data widows or widowers protection rules, we need your agreement to do so. In signing the membership The NHS in England and Scotland will application form, you are agreeing that we provide prosthetic limbs to veterans who may hold your personal details and use were injured in Service that are at least as these to send further information to you. good as those supplied by the MoD. You can ask us to remove your details at Transport – By April 2011, veterans in any time by writing or sending an email to England who are under the age of 60, and the Secretary at the address below. Your were seriously injured in Service, will be details will never be passed to any other able to claim the statutory bus concession. organisations. A similar scheme already exists in Northern Ireland. The Scottish Government is also Brazen Imposter or Cowardly Walter proposing to extend its bus travel Mitty concessions; and the Welsh Assembly is considering whether it will do the same. To finish this news letter on a sour note, I suspect many of you will have seen this The Nations Commitment - Service picture in the media or on TV. It shows a Personnel make a commitment to the man wearing a SAS beret and sporting a nation by serving in the Armed Forces. To very impressive chestful of medals whilst

Page 17 of 24 parading at a Remembrance Day parade in General Service Medal 1962 (GSM) with Bedworth, Warwickshire. Needless to say, two clasps. he was rapidly exposed as an imposter and a fake and there was a hunt on by the On the row underneath he has a South newspapers to identify him. For once I Atlantic Medal 1982 for the Falklands, a encouraged the press to do so however I Gulf Medal 1992 but without the bar was disappointed to note that once tracked denoting service in the actual war zone and down this sad character stuck to his story the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal claiming they were genuine awards and (ACSM) – worn back to front. that he could not discuss them due to the Official Secrets Act. The Police have since Then comes the Saudi Arabian Medal for arrested him on grounds of intending to the liberation of Kuwait, the Kuwaiti deceive and I look forward to reading the Liberation Medal, neither of which are outcome about this bold but sad Walter authorised for wear. There is another Mitty. unknown foreign medal and the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal. Finally he has the Long Service and Good Conduct (LS&GC) medal flanked by a NATO medal.

I suspect we will not see him on public parade anymore, I truly hope so.

Yours Fraternally,

Imposter wearing DSO with MiD, MC with QCVS, QGM, MM John Balding President of the League You will notice he is wearing a SAS beret with SAS lapel badge, blazer badge and tie pin. Phil McDermott, the League‟s Shop Stock Honorary Archivist has explained the medals as the Distinguished Service Order The League has a small range of items for (DSO), on the DSO there is an oakleaf, sale to raise the profile of members and apparently the Queens Commendation for also to identify members as belonging to Bravery, Next is the Military Cross (MC) the League. These items are listed below and on the MC he has an oakleaf signifying and can be purchased from the the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Membership Secretary:

Service. Readers will know that neither  League Tie - £10.00 oakleaf is ever worn with those medals but should be worn on the campaign medal in  Lapel Badge - £5.00 which the action or service took place.  League Plaque - £17.50

Next comes a foreign cross, possibly the Post Script Polish Cross of Valour, which should only be worn after all the British medals and I rang up British Telecom and said "I want only if approved by the Sovereign. Then he to report a nuisance caller", He said "Not is wearing the Queen's Gallantry Medal you again". (QGM), the Military Medal (MM), the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), the This bloke knocked on my door and said to Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) and the me, "Can I come in your house and talk

Page 18 of 24 about your carpets?". I thought "That's all I was born of Jewish Hungarian Parents in need, a Je-hoover's witness". Balsall Heath 1889 and died in 1941.

A Topical Tale Almost 400 years after Shakespeare's death there are 15 million pages referring At last Gordon Brown decided to throw in to him on Google. There are 132 million the towel and resign. His cabinet pages for God, 2.7 million pages on Elvis colleagues decided it would be a worthy Presley, and coming up on Shakespeare's gesture to name a railway locomotive after heels, George W Bush with 14.7 million him. To this end, Harriet Harman, the pages leader of the House was despatched to the National Railway Museum at York to There are more than 150 million sheep in investigate the possibilities. Australia, and only some 20 million people. “We have a number of locomotives at the museum without names” Harriet was told Economists can talk about money without by the museum staff. “Mostly freight ever having to make any. locomotives though” one staff member added. The 3 most valuable brand names on earth are:- Malboro, Coca-Cola and Budweiser - “Oh dear, that’s not very fitting for a Prime in that order. Minister” said Harriet, “how about that big green one over there” she said pointing to Humans are the only primates that don't engine No 4472. have pigment in the palms of their hands.

“That’s already got a name” said the staff The only 15 letter word that can be spelled member. “It’s called the Flying Scotsman”. without repeating a letter is

Not to be outdone, Harriet exclaimed, “You uncopyrightable. could always rename it, after all this is a national museum funded by the taxpayer!” No word in the English dictionary rhymes with month, orange, silver and purple. “I suppose it might be considered” said the staff member, “after all the LNER renamed Your feet are bigger in the afternoon than a number of locomotives after directors of the rest of the day. the company and even named one Dwight D Eisenhower”. No Puns Intended ...

“That’s excellent” “So that’s said Harriet. Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love settled then ... let’s look at renaming 4472. and got married. The ceremony wasn't But how much will it cost? We can’t spend much, but the reception was excellent. too much, given the recent MP’s expenses scandal”. A man walks into a bar with a slab of tarmac under his arm, and says: "A “The staff member thought hard and long beer please, and one for the road." and then replied ...... “Well to keep costs down we could always just paint over the F” "Doctor, I can't stop singing The Green, Green Grass of Home." "That sounds like Did you know that ……? Tom Jones Syndrome" replied the doctor. "Is it common?" "Well, It's Not Unusual." The first Odeon cinema to open in UK was in Perry Barr, it was opened by Oscar A man woke up in a hospital after a serious Deutsch on 4th August 1930. The name accident. He shouted, "Doctor, doctor, I ODEON derives from part of his name, can't feel my legs!" The doctor replied, "I Oscar Deutsch Entertains Our Nation. He know, I amputated your arms!"

Page 19 of 24 Committee Members Contact Details League Archivist:

President: Mr Phil McDermott Romsdale, Woodfield Lane, Romsley, B62 Mr John Balding 0LR 19 Whitehead Drive, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9PW Phone: 01527 835375 Email: [email protected] Phone: 07711 390063 Email: [email protected] Naval Awards Advisor:

Secretary: Prof Bernard de Neumann 6 All Hallows Court, 51 Grand Parade, Mr Mike Knox Leigh on Sea, Essex, SS9 1DT 54 Bath Road, Wells, Somerset, BA5 3LQ Email: [email protected] Phone: Email: [email protected]

Events Secretary:

Mr Ken Irvine 46 South Park Road, Gatley, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 4AN

Phone: 0161 491 1969 Email: [email protected]

Membership Secretary:

Lt Col Charles Webb 7 Lower Ward, Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1NJ

Phone: 0207 563 4092 Email: [email protected]

Treasurer:

Lt Col Ashley Tinson 6 Larchfield Road, Fleet, Hampshire, GU52 7LW

Email: [email protected]

Page 20 of 24 Child Care. From April 2011, Welfare & Benefits - A Members Guide grandparents under state pension age (kindly submitted by Life Member Arthur Garner) looking after children under 12 for at least 20 hours a week can claim free The facts below are compiled by a layman credits for state pension contributions. for your information and „awareness‟. To ensure you do not make a mistake it is Tax Free Rent. You can receive £4,250 suggested you check with the relevant per annum tax free from renting a authority such as a Solicitor, Independent furnished room in your main home. Financial Adviser (IFA), Taxman, Pensions Dept or your Local Council etc. Do not Care Homes. People with over £23,000 forget to claim if you are entitled! capital will have to pay all their care home fees. Those with capital under Responsibility for errors, omissions and £14,000 will have it ignored. mistakes cannot be accepted by the writer or the GM League. Should you find this European Health Card. Your E111 has information helpful, then your comments probably expired, apply for a new one on would be greatly received. 0845 606 203, online at www.nhs.uk/healthcareabroad, or from Bus Passes. The over 60s free bus pass the Post Office. They are essential if you is under threat, with some wanting it are travelling within Europe means tested. Why not write, or email your MP and suggest they give Home Security. Telephone the Home something to their older citizens? Office free on 0800 456 1213 to get your free security home pack and DIY Winter Fuel Allowance. This year the discount voucher. allowances are: Free Swimming. In association with the  Age 60+ £250 per household 2012 Olympics, many local authorities  Age 80+ £400 per household. are now giving free swimming for the over 60s. Please enquire with your local Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Tax authority or at www.culture.gov.uk exemption for 2009/10 is £10,100 per person.

Individual Saving Accounts (ISA). From 6 October 09, individuals over 50 can invest up to £5,100 per annum in a cash ISA and £5,100 in an Equity ISA. All interest is tax free.

Inheritance Tax (IHT). Tax free allowance 2009/10 is £325,000; amounts over this attract 40% tax. There are exemptions for spouses. Why not set up a 'Discounted Gift and Income Plan' for your children, grandchildren, or others? Take an income from the funds for ever, after 7 years the funds are out of your taxable estate, even after 4 years tax is reduced

Page 21 of 24 George Medal Awards to Personnel of the Merchant Navy

Rank Forename(s) Surname Ship Voyage

Second Officer Edward Leslie Barnes Severn Leigh 23 Aug – 5 Sep 1940

Captain / Master Richard Townshend Payne Marina 20 -29 Sep 1940

Third Officer Norman Watson Pacific Grove 23-Sep-1940

Able Seaman Sydney Herbert Light Port Gisborne 11 - 21 Oct 1940

Fireman Edward McLean Zouava 7 – 11 Sep 1940

Quartermaster George Taylor Starstone 31-Oct-1940

Assistant Steward Frederick Trundley Sussex 30-Sep-1940

Captain / Master John Robert Atkinson Calcium 30-Dec-1940

Chief Engineer Thomas Edward Bramley Calcium 30-Dec-1940

3rd Engineer Harold Evans Pelayo 31-Dec-1940

2nd Engineer George Sydney Smith Pelayo 31-Dec-1940

3rd Officer Percy Donald Jones Shakespear 05-Jan-1941

1st Mate James Ryan Seaman 10-Jan-1941

Gunner Edward James Butler Mostyn 23-Jan-1941

Chief Engineer Andrew Hunter Johnson WB Walker 29-Jan-1941

Captain Donald Arthur MacDonald Blairathol 12-Feb-1941

Captain / Master Ivor Llewellyn Price Margot 12-Feb-1941

Second Officer Bernard Peter de Neuman Tewkesbury 01-Mar-1941

2nd Engineer Gerald Llewellyn Turner Tewkesbury 01-Mar-1941

2nd Engineer Neale Mitchell Inishtrahull 13-Mar-1941

Sub Lieutenant Mark Vincent Ebel Elstree Grange 03-May-1941

Able Seaman George Ernest Wheeler Elstree Grange 03-May-1941

Stewardess Elizabeth May Owen St Patrick 13-Jun-1941 Frederick William First Radio Officer Terence McGowan Walmer Castle 21-Sep-1941

2nd Officer George Taylor San Florentino 01-Oct-1941

Seaman Angus McLeay Thistlegorm 06-Oct-1941

2nd Officer John Inglis Loch Ranza 03-Feb-1942

Chief Officer Roy Dudley Creser Harpagon 19 Apr - 24 May 1942

Able Seaman William Hutchinson Thomson Empire Purcell 27-May-1942

Chief Steward Percy Grey River Afton 05-Jul-1942

Chief Radio Officer Donald Wilfred Dennis San Emiliano 8 - 10 Aug 1942

Chief Officer Thomas Daniel Finch San Emiliano 8 - 10 Aug 1942

Page 22 of 24 George Medal Awards to Personnel of the Merchant Navy

Rank Forename(s) Surname Ship Voyage

2nd Officer George Denis Howes Peterton 17 Sep - 4 Nov 1942 Vernon Gordon 2nd Officer Allenby Upton Start Point 10 - 22 Nov 1942

Captain / Master Gordon Marmion Duff Empire Glade 28-Nov-1942

2nd Officer Douglas Crook Scottish Heather 27 - 28 Dec 1942

Apprentice Colin Fookes San Cipriano 10-Jan-1943 Kenneth Desmond Chief Officer Cronow Fisher Akaroa 15-Jan-1943

Chief Officer Robert Vincent Burns Duchess of York 14-Mar-1943

Able Seaman Colin Herbert Armitage Lulworth Hill 19 Mar - 17 May 1943

Carpenter Kenneth Cooke Lulworth Hill 19 Mar - 17 May 1943

2nd Engineer Hezekiah Hotham Ocean Voyager 19-Mar-1943

Apprentice David Eric Clowe Shillong 5 - 12 Apr 1943

Apprentice Alan Bruce Moore Shillong 5 - 12 Apr 1943

Boatswain Michael McCarthy Baron Ruthven 29-Jun-1943

Fourth Engineer Harold Franklin Brown King Salvor 11-Oct-43

1st Officer Michas Vassilios Michael L Embiricos

Page 23 of 24