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INDEX
Gazette
Edition in (brackets)
AGAR,
Augustine Wellington Shelton,
Lt, RN, VC (31516)
AUTEN,
Harold, Lt, RNR, VC (30900/31021)
BAMFORD,
Edward,
Capt, RMLI, VC (30807)
BEAK,
Daniel Marcus William,
Cdr, RNVR, VC (31012/31259)
BINGHAM, Edward Barry Stewart, Cdr,
RN,
VC (29751)
BONNER, Charles George, Lt, RNR, VC
(30363/31021)
BOURKE,
Roland, Lt-Cdr, RNVR,
VC (30870)
BOYLE,
Edward Courtney,
Lt-Cdr, RN, VC (29169)
BRADFORD,
George Nicholson,
Lt-Cdr, RN,
VC (31236)
CAMPBELL, Gordon,
Cdr, RN, VC (30029/31021)
CARLESS, John Henry,
OS, ONJ43703 (Po),
VC
(30687)
CARPENTER, Alfred Francis Blakeney,
Cdr, RN, VC (30807)
COOKSON,
Edgar Christopher,
Lt-Cdr,
RN, VC (29446)
CORNWELL,
John Travers, Boy,
ONJ42563, VC (29752)
COWLEY, Charles Henry, Lt-Cdr,
RNVR, VC (29928)
CRISP, Thomas, Skipper, RNR, 10055DA, VC (30363/31021)
CRUTCHLEY,
Victor Alexander Charles, Lt, RN, VC (30870)
DAVIES, Richard Bell, Sqdn-Cdr,
RN,
VC (29423)
DEAN,
Percy Thompson, Lt, RNVR, VC (30807)
DOBSON,
Claude Congreve, Cdr, RN, VC (31638)
DREWRY,
George Leslie, Mid, RNR, VC (29264)
DRUMMOND,
Geoffrey Heneage,
Lt-Cdr, RNVR, VC (30870)
FINCH,
Norman Augustus, Serj,
RMA, RMA/12150, VC (30807)
FIRMAN, Humphry Osbaldeston
Brooke, Lt, RN, VC (29928)
FREYBERG, Bernard Cyril, Capt, RND, VC (29866)
HARRISON,
Arthur Leyland, Lt-Cdr, RN,
VC (31236)
HARVEY, Francis John William, Maj,
RMLI, VC (29751)
HOLBROOK,
Norman Douglas, Lt, RN,
VC (29015)
JONES, Loftus William, Cdr, RN, VC (29972)
LUMSDEN, Frederick William, Maj,
RMA, VC (30122/31259)
MALLESON,
Wilfred St Aubyn,
Mid, RN, VC (29264)
MCKENZIE, Albert Edward, AB,
ONJ31736 (Ch), VC
(30807)
NASMITH,
Martin Eric, Lt-Cdr, RN, VC (29206)
PARKER, Walter Richard, L/Cpl, RMLI, Po/S229, VC (30147)
PARSLOW,
Frederick, Lt, RNR, VC (31354)
PITCHER,
Ernest,
PO,
ON227029 (Po.)., VC
(30363/31021)
PROWSE,
George, CPO, RNVR, WZ/424, VC (30982/31259)
RITCHIE,
Henry Peel, Cdr, RN, VC (29123)
ROBINSON,
Eric Gascoigne, Lt-Cdr, RN, VC (29264)
SAMSON,
George McKenzie, Seaman, RNR, ON2408A, VC (29264)
SANDERS, William Edward, Lt, RNR, VC (30147/31021)
SANDFORD,
Richard Douglas, Lt, RN, VC (30807)
SMITH,
Archibald Bisset, Lt,
RNR, VC (31354)
STEELE,
Gordon Charles, Lt, RN, VC (31638)
STUART, Ronald Neil, Lt, RNR, VC (30194/31021)
TISDALL, Arthur
Waldene St
Clair, Sub-Lt, RNVR,
VC (29530)
UNWIN,
Edward, Cdr, RN, VC (29264)
WARNEFORD, Reginald Alexander John,
Flt Sub-Lt, RNAS,
VC (29189)
WATT, Joseph, Skipper, RNR, 1206WSA, VC (30258)
WHITE,
Geoffrey Saxton, Lt-Cdr, RN, VC (31354)
WILLIAMS,
William Chas, AB, ON186774 (RFR B3766), VC (29264)
WILLIAMS, William, Seaman, RNR, ON6224A,
VC (30194/31021)
see also
ROYAL NAVY AWARDS of the VICTORIA CROSS
- illustrated
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Includes
Royal Marines and British Merchant Navy
1914
29015 - 22 DECEMBER 1914
Admiralty,
22nd
December, 1914.
His Majesty The KING (is) pleased to approve of the grant of the
Victoria Cross to Lieutenant Norman
Douglas Holbrook, Royal Navy, for the
conspicuous act of bravery specified below:
For most conspicuous bravery on the 13th December, when in
command of the Submarine B. 11, he entered
the Dardanelles, and, not withstanding the
very difficult current, dived his vessel under five
rows of mines and torpedoed the Turkish battleship
"Messudiyeh," which was guarding the mine-field.
Lieutenant Holbrook succeeded in bringing the B. 11
safely back, although assailed by gun-fire and
torpedo boats, having been submerged on one occasion
for nine hours.
1915
29123 - 9 APRIL 1915
Admiralty
10th April 1915
The KING (is) pleased to approve of the grant of the
Victoria Cross to Commander Henry Peel
Ritchie Royal Navy tor the conspicuous act
of bravery specified below -
For most conspicuous bravery on the 28th November 1914 when
in command of the searching and demolition
operations at Dar es Salaam, East Africa.
Though severely wounded several times, his
fortitude and resolution enabled him to continue
to do his duty inspiring all by his example until
at his eighth wound he became unconscious The
interval between his first and last severe wound
was between twenty and twenty five minutes.
29169 - 21 MAY 1915
Admiralty,
2lst May, 1915.
The KING (is) pleased to approve of the grant of the
Victoria Cross to Lieutenant-Commander
Edward Courtney Boyle, Royal Navy, for the
conspicuous act of bravery specified below:
For most conspicuous bravery, in command of Submarine
E.14, when he dived his vessel under the
enemy minefields and entered the Sea of
Marmora on the 27th April, 1915. In spite
of great navigational difficulties from strong
currents, of the continual neighbourhood of
hostile patrols, and of the hourly danger of
attack from the enemy, he continued to operate in
the narrow waters of the Straits and succeeded in
sinking two Turkish gunboats and one large
military transport.
29189 - 11 JUNE 1915
Admiralty,
10th June, 1915.
The KING (is) pleased to approve of the grant of the
Victoria Cross to Flight Sub-Lieutenant
Reginald Alexander John Warneford, Royal
Naval Air Service, for the conspicuous act of
bravery specified below:
For most conspicuous bravery on the 7th June, 1915, when he
attacked and, singlehanded, completely destroyed a
Zeppelin in mid-air. This brilliant
achievement was accomplished after chasing the
Zeppelin from the coast of Flanders to Ghent,
where he succeeded in dropping his bombs on to it
from a height of only one or two hundred feet. One
of these bombs caused a terrific explosion which
set the Zeppelin on fire from end to end, but at
the same time overturned his Aeroplane and stopped
the engine. In spite of this he succeeded in
landing safely in hostile country, and after 15
minutes started his engine and returned to his
base without damage.
29206 - 25 JUNE 1915
Admiralty,
24th June, 1915.
The KING (is) pleased to approve of the grant of the
Victoria Cross to Lieutenant-Commander
Martin Eric Nasmith, Royal Navy, for the
conspicuous bravery specified below:
For most conspicuous bravery in command of one of His
Majesty's Submarines while operating in the
Sea of Marmora. In the face of great danger
he succeeded in destroying one large Turkish
gunboat, two transports, one ammunition ship and
three storeships, in addition to driving one
storeship ashore. When he had safely passed the
most difficult part of his homeward journey he
returned again to torpedo a Turkish transport.
29264 - 13 AUGUST 1915
GALLIPOLI
CAMPAIGN - LANDINGS
NAVAL
DESPATCH dated 1 July 1915
Admiralty,
16th August, 1915.
The KING (is) pleased to approve of the grant of the
Victoria Cross to the undermentioned
Officers and men for the conspicuous acts, of
bravery mentioned in the foregoing despatch
(see
Gallipoli Campaign - Landings, Naval Despatch
dated 1 July 1915):
Commander
Edward Unwin,
R.N.
Midshipman Wilfred
St. Aubyn Malleson,
R.N.
Midshipman George
Leslie Drewry,
R.N.R.
Able Seaman
William Chas. Williams,
O.N. 186774 (R.F.R. B.3766) (since killed - 25
April 1915, on books of HMS Hussar).
Seaman R.N.R.
George McKenzie Samson,
O.N. 2408A.
_____
Admiralty,
16th August, 1915.
The following awards have been made in recognition of
services during the operations in the vicinity of
the Dardanelles prior to 25th-26th April:
The KING (is) pleased to approve of the grant of the
Victoria Cross to Lieutenant-Commander
(now Commander) Eric Gascoigne Robinson, R.N.,
for the conspicuous act of bravery specified
below.
Lieutenant-Commander Robinson on the 26th February advanced
alone, under heavy fire, into an enemy's gun
position, which might well have been occupied, and
destroying a four-inch gun, returned to his party
for another charge with which the second gun was
destroyed. Lieutenant-Commander Robinson would not
allow members of his demolition party to accompany
him, as their white uniforms rendered them very
conspicuous. Lieutenant-Commander Robinson took
part in four attacks on the minefields - always
under heavy fire.
29423 - 31 DECEMBER 1915
Admiralty,
1st January, 1916.
The KING (is) pleased to approve of the grant of the
Victoria Cross to Squadron-Commander
Richard Bell Davies, D.S.O., R.N., and of
the Distinguished Service Cross to Flight
Sub-Lieutenant Gilbert Formby Smylie, R.N., in
recognition of their behaviour in the following
circumstances:
On the 19th November these two officers carried out an air
attack on Ferrijik Junction. Flight
Sub-Lieutenant Smylie's machine was received by
very heavy fire and brought down. The pilot planed
down over the station, releasing all his bombs
except one, which failed to drop, simultaneously
at the station from a very low altitude. Thence he
continued his descent into the marsh. On alighting
he saw the one unexploded bomb, and set fire to
his machine, knowing that the bomb would ensure
its destruction. He then proceeded towards Turkish
territory.
At this moment he perceived Squadron-Commander Davies
descending, and fearing that he would come down
near the burning machine and thus risk destruction
from the bomb, Flight Sub-Lieutenant Smylie ran
back and from a short distance exploded the bomb
by means of a pistol bullet. Squadron-Commander
Davies descended at a safe distance from the
burning machine, took up Sub-Lieutenant Smylie, in
spite of the near approach of a party of the
enemy, and returned to the aerodrome, a feat of
airmanship that can seldom have been equalled for
skill and gallantry.
1916
29446
- 21 JANUARY 1916
Admiralty,
21st January, 1916.
The KING (is)
pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria
Cross to Lieutenant-Commander Edgar
Christopher Cookson, D.S.O., R.N., in
recognition of the following act of most conspicuous
gallantry during the advance on Kut-el-Amara:
On the 28th
September, 1915, the river gunboat "Comet"
had been ordered with other gunboats to examine and,
if possible, destroy an obstruction placed across
the river by the Turks. When the gunboats were
approaching the obstruction a very heavy rifle and
machine gun fire was opened on them from both banks.
An attempt to sink the centre dhow of the
obstruction by gunfire having failed,
Lieutenant-Commander Cookson ordered the "Comet" to
be placed alongside, and himself jumped on to the
dhow with an axe and tried to cut the wire hawsers
connecting it with the two other craft forming the
obstruction. He was immediately shot in several
places and died within a very few minutes.
29530 - 31 MARCH 1916
Admiralty,
S.W., 31st
March, 1916.
The KING (is)
pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria
Cross to the undermentioned Officer in
recognition of his most conspicuous bravery and
devotion to duty:
Sub-Lieutenant
Arthur Waldene St. Clair Tisdall, R.N.V.R.
(killed in action). During the landing from
the S.S. "River Clyde" at V Beach in the Gallipoli
Peninsula on the 25th April, 1915,
Sub-Lieutenant Tisdall, hearing wounded men on the.
beach calling for assistance, jumped into the water
and, pushing a boat in front of him, went to their
rescue. He was, however, obliged to obtain help, and
took with him on two trips Leading Seaman Malia and
on other trips Chief Petty Officer Perring and
Leading Seamen Curtiss and Parkinson. In all
Sub-Lieutenant Tisdall made four or five trips
between the ship and the shore, and was thus
responsible for rescuing several wounded men under
heavy and accurate fire. Owing to the fact that
Sub-Lieutenant Tisdall and the platoon under his
orders were on detached service at the time, and
that this Officer was killed in action on the 6th
May, it has only now been possible to obtain
complete information as to the individuals who took
part in this gallant act. Of these, Leading Seaman
Fred Curtiss, O.N. Dev. 1899. has been missing since
the 4th June, 1915.
29751
- 15 SEPTEMBER 1916
BATTLE OF
JUTLAND - AWARDS TO OFFICERS
NAVAL DESPATCH
dated 23 August 1916
Admiralty, 15th
September, 1916.
The KING (is) pleased to approve of the grant of the Victoria
Cross to the undermentioned Officers in
recognition of their bravery and devotion to duty as
described in the foregoing despatch(es)
(Despatch of 24th June, 1916 and Battle
of Jutland - Commendations and Awards to Officers,
Naval Despatch dated 23 August 1916):
Commander
the Hon. Edward Barry Stewart Bingham, R.N.
(prisoner of war in Germany) .
Major
Francis John William Harvey, R.M.L.I,
(killed in action).
29752
- 15 SEPTEMBER 1916
BATTLE OF
JUTLAND - AWARDS TO PETTY OFFICERS and MEN
NAVAL DESPATCH
dated 15 September 1916
Admiralty, 15th
September, 1916.
The
KING (is) pleased to approve the grant of the Victoria
Cross to Boy, First Class, John Travers
Cornwell, O.N. J.42563 (died 2nd June, 1916),
for the conspicuous act of bravery specified below.
Mortally wounded early in the action, Boy, First
Class, John Travers Cornwell remained standing alone
at a most exposed post, quietly awaiting orders,
until the end of the action, with the gun's crew
dead and wounded all round him. His age was under
sixteen and a half years.
29866
- 15 DECEMBER 1916
War Office, 15th
December, 1916.
His Majesty The KING (is) pleased to confer the Victoria
Cross on the undermentioned Officer …..:
Capt.
(temp. Lt.-Col.) Bernard Cyril Freyberg, D.S.O.,
R. W. Surr. R. and R.N.D.
For most conspicuous bravery and brilliant leading as a Battalion
Commander. By his splendid personal gallantry he
carried the initial attack straight through the
enemy's front system of trenches. Owing to mist and
heavy fire of all descriptions, Lieutenant-Colonel
Freyberg's command was much disorganised after the
capture of the first objective. He personally
rallied and re-formed his men, including men from
other units who had become intermixed.
He inspired all with his own contempt of danger. At the appointed
time he led his men to the successful assault of the
second objective - many prisoners being captured.
During this advance he was twice wounded. He again
rallied and re-formed all who were with him, and
although unsupported in a very advanced position, he
held his ground for the remainder of the day, and
throughout the night, under heavy artillery and
machine gun fire. When reinforced on the following
morning, he organised the attack on a strongly
fortified village and showed a fine example of dash
in personally leading the assault, capturing the
village and five hundred prisoners. In this
operation he was again wounded.
Later in the afternoon, he was again wounded severely, but
refused to leave the line till he had issued final
instructions. The personality, valour and utter
contempt of danger on the part of this single
Officer enabled the lodgment in the most advanced
objective of the Corps to be permanently held, and
on this point d'appui the line was
eventually formed.
1917
29928
– 2 FEBRUARY 1917
Admiralty,
31st January, 1917.
The KING (is) pleased to approve of the posthumous grant of
the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned
officers in recognition of their conspicuous
gallantry in an attempt to re-provision the force
besieged in Kut-el-Amara.:
Lieutenant Humphry Osbaldeston Brooke Firman, R.N.
Lieutenant-Commander Charles Henry Cowley, R.N.V.R.
The General Officer Commanding, Indian Expeditionary Force
"D," reported on this attempt in the following
words:
"At 8 p.m. on April 24th, 1916, with a crew from the Royal
Navy under Lieutenant Firman, R.N., assisted by
Lieutenant-Commander Cowley, R.N.V.R., the
'Julnar,' carrying 270 tons of supplies, left
Falahiyah in an attempt to reach Kut.
Her departure was covered by all Artillery and machine gun
fire that could be brought to bear, in the hope of
distracting the enemy's attention. She was, however,
discovered and shelled on her passage up the river.
At 1 a.m. on the 25th General Townshend reported
that she had not arrived, and that at midnight a
burst of heavy firing had been heard at Magasis,
some 8 1/2 miles from Kut by river, which had
suddenly ceased. There could be but little doubt
that the enterprise had failed, and the next day the
Air Service reported the ' Julnar ' in the hands of
the Turks at Magasis.
“The leaders of this brave attempt, Lieutenant H. O. B.
Firman, R.N., and his assistant -
Lieutenant-Commander C. H. Cowley, R.N.V.R. - the
latter of whom throughout the campaign in
Mesopotamia performed magnificent service in command
of the 'Mejidieh' - have been reported by the Turks
to have been killed; the remainder of the gallant
crew, including five wounded, are prisoners of war.
"Knowing well the chances against them, all the gallant
officers and men who manned the ' Julnar' for the
occasion were volunteers. I trust that.the services
in this connection of Lieutenant H. O. B. Firman,
R.N., and Lieutenant-Commander C. H. Cowley,
R.N.V.R., his assistant, both of whom were
unfortunately killed, may be recognised by the
posthumous grant of some suitable honour."
29972
– 6 MARCH 1917
Admiralty,
6th March, 1917.
The KING (is) pleased to approve of the posthumous grant of
the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned
Officer in recognition of his most conspicuous
bravery and devotion to duty in the course of the Battle
of Jutland.
The full facts have only now been ascertained. Commander
Loftus William Jones, R.N. (killed in action).
On the afternoon of the 31st May, 1916, during the
action, Commander Jones in H.M.S. "Shark,"
Torpedo Boat Destroyer, led a division of Destroyers
to attack the enemy Battle Cruiser Squadron. In the
course of this attack a shell hit the "Shark's"
bridge, putting the steering gear out of order, and
very shortly afterwards another shell disabled the
main engines, leaving the vessel helpless. The
Commanding Officer of another Destroyer, seeing the
"Shark's" plight, came between her and the enemy and
offered assistance, but was warned by Commander
Jones not to run the risk of being almost certainly
sunk in trying to help him. Commander Jones, though
wounded in the leg, went aft to help connect and man
the after wheel. Meanwhile the forecastle gun with
its crew had been blown away, and the same fate soon
afterwards befell the after gun and crew. Commander
Jones then went to the midship and only remaining
gun, and personally assisted in keeping it in
action. All this, time the "Shark" was subjected to
very heavy fire from enemy light cruisers and
destroyers at short range. The gun's crew of the
midship gun was reduced to three, of whom an Able
Seaman was soon badly wounded in the leg. A few
minutes later Commander Jones was hit by a shell,
which took off his leg above the knee, but he
continued to give orders to his gun's crew, while a
Chief Stoker improvised a tourniquet round his
thigh. Noticing that the Ensign was not properly
hoisted, he gave orders for another to be hoisted.
Soon afterwards, seeing that the ship could not
survive much longer, and as a German Destroyer was
closing, he gave orders for the surviving members of
the crew to put on lifebelts. Almost immediately
after this order had been given, the "Shark" was
struck by a torpedo and sank. Commander Jones was
unfortunately not amongst the few survivors from the
"Shark," who were picked up by a neutral vessel in
the night.
30029
- 20 APRIL 1917
Admiralty,
S.W., 2lst April, 1917.
The KING (is) pleased to approve of the grant of the
Victoria Cross to Commander Gordon
Campbell, D.S.O., R.N. In recognition of his
conspicuous gallantry, consummate coolness, and
skill in command of one of H.M. ships in action.
30122
- 8 JUNE 1917
War
Office, 8th June, 1917.
His
Majesty The KING (is) pleased to approve of the
award of the Victoria Cross to the
undermentioned Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers
and Men:
(including)
Maj.
Frederick William Lumsden, D.S.O., R.M.A.
For
most conspicuous bravery, determination and devotion
to duty. Six enemy field guns having been captured,
it was necessary to leave them in dug-in positions,
300 yards in advance of the position held by our
troops. The enemy kept the captured guns under heavy
fire. Maj. Lumsden undertook the duty of bringing
the guns into our lines. In order to effect this, he
personally led four artillery teams and a party of
infantry through the hostile barrage. As one of
these teams sustained casualties, he left the
remaining teams in a covered position, and, through
very heavy rifle, machine gun and shrapnel fire, led
the infantry to the guns. By force of example and
inspiring energy he succeeded in sending back two
teams with guns, going through the barrage with the
teams of the third gun. He then returned to the guns
to await further teams, and these he succeeded in
attaching to two of the three remaining guns,
despite rifle fire, which had become intense at
short range, and removed the guns to safety. By this
time the enemy, in considerable strength, had driven
through the infantry covering points, and blown up
the breach of the remaining gun. Maj. Lumsden then
returned, drove off the enemy, attached the gun to a
team and got it away.
30147
- 22 JUNE 1917
Admiralty,
S.W. June, 1917.
The
KING (is) pleased to approve of the award of the
Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:
Act.
Lieut, (now Lieut.-Cdr.) William Edward Sanders,
R.N.R.
In
recognition of his conspicuous gallantry, consummate
coolness, and skill in command of one of H.M.
ships in action.
Lce.-Corpl.
Walter Richard Parker R.M.L.I., No. Po./S. 229,
Royal Naval Division.
In recognition of his most conspicuous bravery and devotion
to duty in the course of the Dardanelles
operations. On the night of 30th April/1st May,
1915, a message asking for ammunition, water and
medical stores was received from an isolated fire
trench at Gaba Tepe. A party of Non-commissioned
Officers and men were detailed to carry water and
ammunition, and, in response to a call for a
volunteer from among the stretcher bearers, Parker
at once came forward; he had during the previous
three days displayed conspicuous bravery and energy
under fire whilst in charge of the Battalion
stretcher bearers. Several men had already been
killed in a previous attempt to bring assistance to
the men holding the fire trench. To reach this
trench it was necessary to traverse an area at least
four hundred yards wide, which was completely
exposed and swept by rifle fire. It was already
daylight when the party emerged from shelter and at
once one of the men was wounded: Parker organised a
stretcher party and then going on alone
succeeded in reaching the fire trench, all the water
and ammunition carriers being either killed or
wounded. After his arrival he rendered assistance to
the wounded in the trench, displaying extreme
courage and remaining cool and collected in very
trying circumstances. The trench had finally to be
evacuated and Parker helped to remove and attend the
wounded, although he himself was seriously wounded
during, this operation.
30194
- 20 JULY 1917
Admiralty, 20th July, 1917.
Honours for Services in Action with Enemy Submarines.
The
KING (is) pleased to approve of the award of the
following honours, decorations and medals to
Officers and men for services in action with enemy
submarines:
To
receive the Victoria Cross.
Lieut.
Ronald Neil Stuart, D.S.O., R.N.R.
Sea.
William Williams, R.N.R., O.N. 6224A.
Lieutenant
Stuart and Seaman Williams were selected by the
officers and ship's company respectively of one of
H.M. Ships to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule
13 of the Royal Warrant dated the 29th January,
1856.
30258
- 28 AUGUST 1917
Admiralty, 29th August, 1917.
Honours for Service in the Action in the Straits of Otranto on
the 15th May, 1917.
The
KING (is) pleased to approve of the award of the
Victoria Cross to the undermentioned officer:
Skipper
Joseph Watt, R.N.R., 1206 W.S.A.
For most conspicuous gallantry when the Allied
Drifter line in the Straits of Otranto was
attacked by Austrian light cruisers on the morning
of the ]5th May, 1917. When hailed by an Austrian
cruiser at about 100 yards range and ordered to stop
and abandon his drifter the "Gowan Lea,"
Skipper Watt ordered full speed ahead and called
upon his crew to give three cheers and fight to the
finish. The cruiser was then engaged, but after one
round had been fired, a shot from the enemy disabled
the breech of the drifter's gun. The gun's crew,
however, stuck to the gun, endeavouring to make it
work, being under heavy fire all the time. After the
cruiser had passed on Skipper Watt took the "Gowan
Lea" alongside the badly-damaged drifter "Floandi"
and assisted to remove the dead and wounded.
30363
- 30 OCTOBER 1917
Admiralty, 2nd November, 1917.
Honours for Services in Action with Enemy Submarines.
The
KING (is) pleased to approve of the award of the
following honours, decorations and medals to
officers and men for services in action with enemy
submarines:
To
Receive the Victoria Cross.
Lieut.
Charles George Bonner, D.S.C., R.N.R.
P.O. Ernest Pitcher, O.N. 227029 (Po.).
P.O. Pitcher was selected by the crew of a gun of
one of H.M. ships to receive the Victoria Cross
under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant dated the 29th
January, 1856.
Posthumous
Award of the Victoria Cross.
Skipper
Thomas Crisp, R.N.R., 10055D.A. (killed in
action).
1918
30687
-
14
MAY 1918
Admiralty,
17th
May, 1918.
Honours
for Miscellaneous Services
The
KING (is) pleased to approve of the award of the
following honours, decorations and medals to the
undermentioned officers and men:
(i.)
Action in the Heligoland Bight on
the
11th November, 1917.
Posthumous
award of the Victoria Cross.
Ord. Sea. John Henry Carless,
O.N. J.43703 (Po.)
(killed in action).
For
most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.
Although mortally wounded in the abdomen, he still
went on serving the gun at which he was acting as
rammer, lifting a projectile and helping to clear
away the other casualties. He collapsed once, but
got up, tried again, and cheered on the new gun's
crew. He then fell and died. He not only set a very
inspiring and memorable example, but he also, whilst
mortally wounded, continued to do effective work
against the King's enemies.
30807
-
19
JULY 1918
Honours for
Services in the Operations against Zeebrugge and
Ostend
on the Night of the
22nd-23rd April,
1918.
Admiralty, 23rd
July, 1918.
The
KING
(is) pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria
Cross to the undermentioned Officers and men:
Commander
(Acting Captain) Alfred Francis Blakeney
Carpenter, R.N.
For most conspicuous gallantry. This officer was in
command of "Vindictive." He set a
magnificent example to all those under his command
by his calm composure when navigating mined waters,
bringing his ship alongside the mole in darkness.
When "Vindictive" was within a few yards of the mole
the enemy started and maintained a heavy fire from
batteries, machine guns and rifles on to the bridge.
He showed most conspicuous bravery, and did much to
encourage similar behaviour on the part of the crew,
supervising the landing from the "Vindictive" on to
the mole, and walking round the decks directing
operations and encouraging the men in the most
dangerous and exposed positions. By his
encouragement to those under him, his power of
command and personal bearing, he undoubtedly
contributed greatly to the success of the operation.
Capt. Carpenter was selected by the officers of the
"Vindictive," "Iris II.," and "Daffodil," and of the
naval assaulting force to receive the Victoria Cross
under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant, dated
the 29th January,
1866.
Lieutenant
Richard Douglas Sandford, R.N,
For most conspicuous gallantry. This officer was in
command of Submarine C.3, and most skilfully
placed that vessel in between the piles of the
viaduct before lighting his fuse and abandoning her.
He eagerly undertook this hazardous enterprise,
although, well aware (as were all his crew) that if
the means of rescue failed and he or any of his crew
were in the water at the moment of the explosion,
they would be killed outright by the force of such
explosion. Yet Lieutenant Sandford disdained to use
the gyro steering, which would have enabled him and
his crew to abandon the submarine at a safe
distance, and preferred to make sure, as far as was
humanly possible, of the accomplishment of his duty.
Lieutenant
Percy Thompson Dean, R.N.V.R. (Motor Launch 282).
For most
conspicuous gallantry. Lieutenant Dean handled his
boat in a most magnificent and heroic manner when
embarking the officers and men from the blockships
at Zeebrugge. He followed the blockships in and
closed "Intrepid" and "Iphigenia" under a constant
and deadly fire from machine and heavy guns at point
blank range, embarking over 100 officers and men.
This completed, he was proceeding out of the canal,
when he heard that an officer was in the water. He
returned, rescued him, and then proceeded, handling
his boat throughout as calmly as if engaged in a
practice manoeuvre. Three men were shot down at his
side whilst he conned his ship. On clearing the
entrance to the canal the steering, gear broke down.
He manoeuvred his boat by the engines, and avoided
complete destruction by steering so close in under
the mole that the guns in the batteries could not
depress sufficiently to fire on the boat. The whole
of this operation was carried out under a constant
machine-gun fire at a few yards range. It was solely
due to this officer's courage and daring that
M.L.282 succeeded in saving so many valuable lives.
Captain
Edward Bamford, D.S.O., R.M.L.I.
For most conspicuous gallantry. This officer landed
on the mole from ''Vindictive" with numbers 5, 7 and
8 platoons of the marine storming force, in
the face of great difficulties. When on the mole and
under heavy fire, he displayed the greatest
initiative in the command of his company, and by his
total disregard of danger showed a magnificent
example to his men. He first established a strong
point on the right of the disembarkation, and, when
satisfied that that was safe, led an assault on a
battery to the left with the utmost coolness and
valour. Captain Bamford was selected by the officers
of the R.M.A. and R.M.L.I. detachments to receive
the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Royal
Warrant, dated
the 29th January, 1856.
Serjeant
Norman Augustus Finch, R.M.A.,
No. R.M.A./12150. For most conspicuous gallantry.
Serjeant Finch was second in command of the pompoms
and Lewis guns in the foretop of "Vindictive,"
under Lieutenant Charles N. B. Rigby, R.M.A. At one
period the "Vindictive" was being hit every few
seconds, chiefly in the upper works, from which
splinters caused many casualties. It was difficult
to locate the guns which were doing the most damage,
but Lieutenant Rigby, Serjeant Finch and the Marines
in the foretop, kept up a continuous fire with
pompoms and Lewis guns, changing rapidly from one
target to another, and thus keeping the enemy's fire
down to some considerable extent. Unfortunately two
heavy shells made direct hits on the foretop, which
was completely exposed to enemy concentration of
fire. All in the top were killed or disabled except
Serjeant Finch, who was, however, severely wounded;
nevertheless he showed consummate bravery, remaining
in his battered and exposed position. He once more
got a Lewis gun into action, and kept up a
continuous fire, harassing the enemy on the mole,
until the foretop received another direct hit, the
remainder of the armament being then completely put
out of action. Before the top was destroyed Serjeant
Finch had done invaluable work, and by his bravery
undoubtedly saved many lives. This very gallant
serjeant of the Royal Marine Artillery was selected
by the 4th Battalion of Royal Marines, who were
mostly Royal Marine Light Infantry, to receive the
Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant
dated
29th January, 1856.
Able Seaman
Albert Edward McKenzie,
O.N. J31736 (Ch.).
For most conspicuous gallantry.
This rating belonged to B Company of seaman
storming party. On the night of the operation
he landed on the mole with his machine-gun in the
face of great difficulties and did very good work,
using his gun to the utmost advantage. He advanced
down the mole with Lieutenant-Commander Harrison,
who with most of his party was killed, and accounted
for several of the enemy running from a shelter to a
destroyer alongside the mole. This very gallant
seaman was severely wounded whilst working his gun
in an exposed position. Able Seaman McKenzie was
selected by the men of the "Vindictive," "Iris II,"
and "Daffodil'" and of the naval assaulting force to
receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the
Royal Warrant dated the 29th January 1856.
30870
-
27
AUGUST 1918
OSTEND
RAID - HONOURS
NAVAL DESPATCH
dated
24 July 1918
Admiralty,
S.W., 28th
August, 1918.
The
KING (is) pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria
Cross to the undermentioned Officers in
recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty
as described in the foregoing despatch
(see
Ostend Raid - Honours, Naval Despatch dated 24
July 1918):
Lieut.-Cdr.
Geoffrey Heneage Drummond, R.N.V.R.
Lieut.-Cdr.
Roland Bourke, D.S.O., R.N.V.R.
Lieut.
Victor Alexander Charles Crutchley, D.S.C., R.N.
30900
-
13
SEPTEMBER 1918
Admiralty, S.W.,
14th September,
1918.
Honours
for
Services in Action with Enemy Submarines.
The
KING
(is) pleased to approve of the award of the
following honours, decorations, and medals to the
undermentioned Officers and Men for services in
action with enemy submarines:
To receive the Victoria Cross.
Lieut.
Harold Auten, D.S.C., R.N.R.
30982
- 29 OCTOBER 1918
War Office, 30th October, 1918.
(included
in Army lists)
His
Majesty
the KING (is) pleased to approve of the award of the
Victoria Cross to the undermentioned
Officers, Chief Petty Officer, N.C.O.'s and Man:
No.
WZ/424 Chief Petty Officer George Prowse, R.N.V.R.
(Landore). For most conspicuous bravery and devotion
to duty when, during an advance, a portion of his
company became disorganised by heavy machine-gun
fire from an enemy strong point. Collecting what men
were available he led them with great coolness and
bravery against this strong point, capturing it
together with twenty-three prisoners and five
machine-guns. Later, he took a patrol forward in
face of much enemy opposition, and established it on
important high ground. On another occasion he
displaved great heroism by attacking single-handed
an ammunition limber which was trying to recover
ammunition, killing three men who accompanied it and
capturing the limber. Two days later he rendered
valuable services when covering the advance of his
company with a Lewis-gun section, and located later
on two machine-gun positions in a concrete
emplacement, which were holding up the advance of
the battalion on. the right. With complete disregard
of personal danger he rushed forward with a small
party and attacked and captured these posts, killing
six enemy and taking thirteen prisoners and two
machine guns. He was the only survivor of this
gallant party, but by this daring and heroic action
he enabled the battalion on the right to push
forward without further machine-gun fire from the
village. Throughout the whole operations his
magnificent example and leadership were an
inspiration to all, and his courage was superb.
31012
- 12 NOVEMBER 1918
War Office, 15th November, 1918.
(included
in Army lists)
His
Majesty
the KING (is) pleased to approve of the award of the
Victoria Cross to the undermentioned
Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Men:
T./Comdr.
Daniel Marcus William Beak, D.S.O., M.C., R.N.V.R.
For most conspicuous bravery, courageous leadership
and devotion to duty during a prolonged period of
operations. He led his men in attack, and, despite
heavy machine-gun fire, four enemy positions were
captured. His skilful and fearless leadership
resulted in the complete success of this operation
and enabled other battalions to reach their
objectives. Four days later, though dazed by a shell
fragment, in the absence of the brigade commander,
he reorganised the whole brigade under extremely
heavy gun fire and led his men with splendid courage
to their objective. An attack having been held up he
rushed forward, accompanied by only one runner, and
succeeded in breaking up a nest of machine guns,
personally bringing back nine or ten prisoners. His
fearless example instilled courage and confidence in
his men, who then quickly resumed the advance under
his leadership. On a subsequent occasion he
displayed great courage and powers of leadership in
attack, and his initiative, coupled with the
confidence with which he inspired all ranks, not
only enabled his own and a neighbouring unit to
advance, but contributed very materially to the
success of the Naval Division in these operations.
31021
- 19 NOVEMBER 1918
Admiralty, 20th November, 1918.
With
reference
to announcements of the award of the Victoria
Cross to naval officers and men for services
in action with enemy submarines, the following are
the accounts of the actions for which these awards
were made:
(1)
Action
of H.M.S. "Q5" on the 17th February, 1917.
On
the
17th February, 1917, H.M.S. "Q5," under the command
of. Commander Campbell, D.S.O., R.N., was
struck by a torpedo abreast of No. 3 hold. Action
stations were sounded and the ''panic party''
abandoned ship. The engineer officer reported that
the engine-room was flooding, and was ordered to
remain at his post as long as possible, which he and
his staff, several of whom were severely wounded,
most gallantly did. The submarine was observed on
the starboard quarter 200 yards distant, watching
the proceedings through his periscope. He ran past
the ship on the starboard side so closely that the
whole hull was visible beneath the surface, finally
emerging about 300 yards on the port bow. The enemy
came down the port side of the ship, and fire was
withheld until all guns could bear at point blank
range. The first shot beheaded the captain of the
submarine as he was climbing out of the conning
tower, and the submarine finally sank with conning
tower open and crew pouring out. One officer and one
man were rescued on the surface and taken prisoner,
after which the boats were recalled and all hands
proceeded to do their utmost to keep the ship
afloat. A wireless signal for assistance had been
sent out when (but not until) the fate of the
submarine was assured, and a destroyer and sloop
arrived a couple of hours later and took "Q.5" in
tow. She was finally beached in safety the following
evening.
The
action
may be regarded as the supreme test of naval
discipline. The chief engineer and engine-room watch
remained at their posts to keep the dynamo working
until driven out by the water, then remaining
concealed on top of the cylinders. The guns' crews
had to remain concealed in their gun houses for
nearly half an hour, while the ship slowly sank
lower in the water.
(The
award
of the Victoria Cross to Commander Gordon Campbell,
D.S.O. R.N., was announced in London Gazette No.
30029, dated the 21st April, 1917.)
(2)
Action
of H.M.S. "Prize" on the 30th April, 1917.
H.M.S.
"Prize,"
a topsail schooner of 200 tons, under command of Lieutenant
William Edward Sanders, R.N.R., sighted an
enemy submarine on the 30th April, 1917. The
enemy opened fire at three miles range and
approached slowly astern. The "panic party," in
charge of Skipper William Henry Brewer, R.N.R.
(Trawler Section), immediately abandoned ship.
Ship's head was put into the wind, and the guns'
crews concealed themselves by lying face downwards
on the deck. The enemy continued deliberately
shelling the schooner, inflicting severe damage and
wounding a number of men. For 20 minutes she
continued to approach, firing as she came, but at
length, apparently satisfied that no one remained an
board, she drew out on the schooner's quarter 70
yards away. The white ensign was immediately
hoisted, the screens dropped, and all guns opened
fire. A shell struck the foremost gun of the
submarine, blowing it to atoms and annihilating the
crew. Another shot demolished the conning tower, and
at the same time a Lewis gun raked the survivors off
the submarine's deck. She sank four minutes after
the commencement of the action in clouds of smoke,
the glare of an internal fire being visible through
the rents in her hull. The captain of the submarine,
a warrant-officer and one man were picked up and
brought on board the "Prize," which was then herself
sinking fast. Captors and prisoners, however,
succeeded in plugging the shot holes and keeping the
water, under with the pumps. The "Prize" then set
sail for the land, 120 miles distant. They were
finally picked up two days later by a motor-launch
and towed the remaining five miles into harbour.
(The
award
of the Victoria Cross to Acting Lieutenant William
Edward Sanders, R.N.R., was announced in London
Gazette No. 30147, dated the 22nd June, 1917.)
(3)
Action
of H.M.S. "Pargust" on the 7th June, 1917.
On
the
7th June, 1917, while disguised as a British
merchant vessel with a dummy gun mounted aft, H.M.S.
"Pargust" under the command of Commander Gordon
Campbell, V.C., D.S.O., R.N., was torpedoed at very
close range. Her boiler-room, engine-room, and No. 5
hold were immediately flooded, and the starboard
lifeboat was blown to pieces. The weather was misty
at the time, fresh breeze and a choppy sea. The
"panic party," under the command of Lieutenant P. R.
Hereford, D.S.C., R.N.R., abandoned ship, and as the
last boat was shoving off, the periscope of the
submarine was observed close before the port beam
about 400 yards distant. The enemy then submerged,
and periscope reappeared directly astern, passing to
the starboard quarter, and then round to the port
beam, when it turned again towards the ship,
breaking surface about 50 yards away. The lifeboat,
acting as a lure, commenced to pull round the stern;
submarine followed closely and Lieutenant Hereford,
with complete disregard of the danger incurred from
fire of either ship or submarine (who had trained a
maxim on the lifeboat), continued to decoy her to
within 50 yards of the ship. The "Pargust" then
opened fire with all guns, and the submarine, with
oil squirting from her side and the crew pouring out
of the conning tower, steamed slowly across the bows
with a heavy list. The enemy crew held up their
hands in token of surrender, whereupon fire
immediately ceased. The submarine then began to move
away at a gradually increasing speed, apparently
endeavouring to escape in the mist. Fire was
reopened until she sank, one man clinging to the bow
as she went down. The boats, after a severe pull to
windward, succeeded in saving one officer and one
man. 'American Destroyers and a British sloop
arrived shortly afterwards, and the "Pargust" was
towed back to port. As on the previous occasions,
officers and men displayed the utmost courage and
confidence in their captain, and the action serves
as an example of what perfect discipline, when
coupled with such confidence, can achieve.
(The
award
of the Victoria Cross to Lieut. Ronald Neil
Stuart, D.S.O., R.N.R., and Sea. William
Williams, R.N.R., O.N., 6224A.,
was announced in London Gazette No. 30194, dated
the
20th July, 1917.)
(4)
Action
of H.M.S. "Dunraven" on the 8th August,
1917.
On
the
8th August, 1917, H.M.S. "Dunraven," under the
command of Captain Gordon Campbell, V.C., D.S.O.,
R.N., sighted an enemy submarine on the horizon. In
her role of armed British merchant ship, the "
Dunraven" continued her zig-zag course, whereupon
the submarine closed, remaining submerged to within
5,000 yards, and then, rising to the surface, opened
fire. The "Dunraven" returned the fire with her
merchant ship gun, at the same time reducing speed
to enable the enemy to overtake her. Wireless
signals were also sent out for the benefit of the
submarine: "Help ! come
quickly -submarine chasing and shelling me."
Finally, when the shells began falling close, the
"Dunraven" stopped and abandoned ship by the "panic
party." The ship was then being heavily shelled, and
on fire aft. In the meantime the submarine closed to
400 yards distant, partly obscured from view by the
dense clouds of smoke issuing from the "Dunraven's"
stern. Despite the knowledge that the after magazine
must inevitably explode if he waited, and further,
that a gun and gun's crew lay concealed over the
magazine, Captain Campbell decided to reserve his
fire until the submarine had passed clear of the
smoke. A moment later, however, a heavy explosion
occurred aft, blowing the gun and gun's crew into
the air, and accidentally starting the fire-gongs at
the remaining gun positions; screens were
immediately dropped, and the only gun that would
bear opened fire, but the submarine, apparently
frightened by the explosion, had already commenced
to submerge. Realising that a torpedo must
inevitably follow, Captain Campbell ordered the
surgeon to remove all wounded and conceal them in
cabins; hoses were also turned on the poop, which
was a mass of flames. A signal was sent out warning
men-of-war to divert all traffic below the horizon
in order that nothing should interrupt the final
phase of the action. Twenty minutes later a torpedo
again struck the ship abaft the engine-room. An
additional party of men were again sent away as a
"panic party," and left the ship to outward
appearances completely abandoned, with the White
Ensign flying and guns unmasked. For the succeeding
fifty minutes the submarine examined the ship
through her periscope. During this period boxes of
cordite and shells exploded every few minutes, and
the fire on the poop still blazed furiously. Captain
Campbell and the handful of officers and men who
remained on board lay hidden during this ordeal. The
submarine then rose to the surface astern, where no
guns could bear and shelled the ship closely for
twenty minutes. The enemy then submerged and steamed
past the ship 150 yards off, examining her through
the periscope. Captain Campbell decided then to fire
one of his torpedoes, but missed by a few inches.
The submarine crossed the bows and came slowly down
the other side, whereupon a second torpedo was fired
and missed again. The enemy observed it and
immediately submerged. Urgent signals for assistance
were immediately sent out, but pending arrival of
assistance Captain Campbell arranged for a third
"panic party" to jump overboard if necessary and
leave one gun's crew on board for a final attempt to
destroy the enemy, should he again attack. Almost
immediately afterwards, however, British and
American destroyers arrived on the scene, the
wounded were transferred, boats were recalled and
the fire extinguished. The "Dunraven" although her
stern was awash, was taken in tow, but the weather
grew worse, and early the following morning she sank
with colours flying.
(The
award
of the Victoria Cross to Lieut. Charles George
Bonner, D.S.C., R.N.R., and P.O. Ernest
Pitcher, O.N. 227029 (Po.), was announced in
London Gazette No. 30363, dated the 2nd November,
1917.)
(5)
Action
of H.M. Armed Smack "Nelson," on the 15th
August, 1917.
On
the
15th August, 1917, the Smack "Nelson" was engaged in
fishing when she was attacked by gunfire from an
enemy submarine. The gear was let go and the
submarine's fire was returned. The submarine's
fourth shot went through the port bow just below the
water line, and the seventh shell struck the
skipper, Thomas Crisp, partially disembowelling him,
and passed through the deck and out through the side
of the ship. In spite of the terrible nature of his
wound Skipper Crisp retained consciousness, and his
first thought was to send off a message that he was
being attacked and giving his position. He continued
to command his ship until the ammunition was almost
exhausted and the smack was sinking. He refused to
be moved into the small boat when the rest of the
crew were obliged to abandon the vessel as she sank,
his last request being that he might be thrown
overboard.
(The
posthumous
award of the Victoria Cross to Skipper Thomas
Crisp, D.S.C., R.N.R., 10055 D.A., was
announced in London Gazette No. 30363, dated the 2nd
November, 1917.)
(6)
Action
of H.M.S. "Stock Force," on the 30th July
1918.
H.M.S.
"Stock
Force," under the command of Lieutenant Harold
Auten, D.S.C., R.N.R., was torpedoed by an
enemy submarine at 5 p.m. on the 30th July, 1918.
The torpedo struck the ship abreast No. 1 hatch,
entirely wrecking the fore part of the ship,
including the bridge, and wounding three ratings. A
tremendous shower of planks, unexploded shells,
hatches and other debris followed the explosion,
wounding the first lieutenant (Lieutenant E. J.
Grey, R.N.R.) and the navigating officer (Lieutenant
L. E. Workman, R.N.R.) and adding to the injuries of
the foremost gun's crew and a number of other
ratings. The ship settled down forward, flooding the
foremost magazine and between decks to the depth of
about three feet. "Panic party," in charge of
Lieutenant Workman, R.N.R., immediately abandoned
ship, and the wounded were removed to the lower
deck, where the surgeon (Surgeon Probationer G. E.
Strahan, R.N.V.R.), working up to his waist in
water, attended to their injuries. The captain, two
guns' crews and the engine-room staff remained at
their posts.
The
submarine
then came to the surface ahead of the ship half a
mile distant, and remained there a quarter of an
hour, apparently watching the ship for any doubtful
movement.
The
''panic
party" in the boat accordingly commenced to row back
towards the ship in an endeavour to decoy the
submarine within range of the hidden guns. The
submarine followed, coming slowly down the port side
of the "Stock Force," about three hundred yards
away. Lieutenant Auten, however, withheld his fire
until she was abeam, when both of his guns could
bear. Fire was opened at 5.40 p.m.; the first shot
carried away one of the periscopes, the second round
hit the conning tower, blowing it away and throwing
the occupant high into the air. The next round
struck the submarine on the water-line, tearing her
open and blowing out a number of the crew.
The
enemy
then subsided several feet into the water and her
bows rose. She thus presented a large and immobile
target into which the "Stock Force" poured shell
after shell until the submarine sank by the stern,
leaving a quantity of debris on the water. During
the whole of the action one man (Officer's Steward,
2nd Class, R. J. Starling) remained pinned down
under the foremost gun after the explosion of the
torpedo, and remained there cheerfully and without
complaint, although the ship was apparently sinking,
until the end of the action.
The
"Stock
Force" was a vessel of 360 tons, and despite the
severity of the shock sustained by the officers and
men when she was torpedoed and the fact that her
bows were almost obliterated, she was kept afloat by
the exertions of her ship's company until 9.25 p.m.
She then sank with colours flying, and the officers
and men were taken off by two torpedo boats and a
trawler. The action was cited as one of the finest
examples of coolness, discipline and good
organisation in the history of "Q" ships.
(The
award
of the Victoria Cross to Lieutenant Harold Auten,
D.S.C., R.N.R., was announced in London Gazette No.
30900, dated the 14th September, 1918.)
1919
31236
-
14
MARCH 1919
Admiralty,
17th March, 1919.
The
KING (is) pleased to approve of the posthumous
award of the Victoria Cross to the
undermentioned officers:
Lieutenant-Commander
George
Nicholson Bradford, R.N.
For most conspicuous gallantry at Zeebrugge
on the night of the 22nd-23rd April, 1918.
This
officer was in command of the Naval Storming
Parties embarked in "Iris II." When
"Iris II." proceeded alongside the Mole great
difficulty was experienced in placing the parapet
anchors owing to the motion of the ship. An attempt
was made to land by the scaling ladders before the
ship was secured. Lieutenant Claude E. K. Hawkings
(late "Erin") managed to get one ladder in position
and actually reached the parapet, the ladder being
crashed to pieces just as he stepped off it. This
very gallant young officer was last seen defending
himself with his revolver. He was killed on the
parapet. Though securing the ship was not part of
his duties, Lieut.-Commander Bradford climbed up the
derrick, which carried a large parapet anchor and
was rigged out over the port side; during this climb
the ship was surging up and down and the derrick
crashing on the Mole; waiting his opportunity he
jumped with the parapet anchor on to the Mole and
placed it in position. Immediately after hooking on
the parapet anchor Lieut.-Commander Bradford was
riddled with bullets from machine guns and fell into
the sea between the Mole and the ship. Attempts to
recover his body failed. Lieut.-Commander Bradford's
action was one of absolute self-sacrifice; without a
moment's hesitation he went to certain death,
recognising that in such action lay the only
possible chance of securing "Iris II" and enabling
her storming parties to land.
Lieutenant-Commander
Arthur
Leyland Harrison, R.N.
For most conspicuous gallantry at Zeebrugge on the
night of the 22nd-23rd April, 1918.
This
officer was in immediate command of the Naval
Storming Parties embarked in "Vindictive."
Immediately before coming alongside the Mole
Lieut.-Commander Harrison was struck on the head by
a fragment of a shell which broke his jaw and
knocked him senseless. Recovering consciousness he
proceeded on to the Mole and took over command of
his party, who were attacking the seaward end of the
Mole. The silencing of the guns on the Mole head was
of the first importance, and though in a position
fully exposed to the enemy's machine-gun fire
Lieut.-Commander Harrison gathered his men together
and led them to the attack. He was killed at the
head of his men, all of whom were either killed or
wounded. Lieut.-Commander Harrison, though already
severely wounded and undoubtedly in great pain,
displayed indomitable resolution and courage of the
highest order in pressing his aitack, knowing as he
did that any delay in silencing the guns might
jeopardise the main object of the expedition, i.e.,
the blocking of the Zeebrugge-Bruges Canal.
31259
-
28
MARCH 1919
War
Office, 31st
March 1919
(included in Army lists)
The
services for which the Victoria Cross was
awarded by His Majesty to the undermentioned
Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned
Officers and Men were performed at the places and on
the dates mentioned:
T./Comdr.
D. M. W. Beak, D.S.O., M.C., Drake Bn., R.N.V.R.
at Logeast Wood, France on
21/25.8.18/4.9.18. Gazette date 18.11.18
Maj.
F. W. Lumsden, D.S.O., R.M.A.
at Francilly, France on 3/4.4.17. Gazette
date 8.6.17
WZ/424
Chief Petty Officer G. Prowse, Drake Bn., R.N.V.R.
at Pronville, France on 2.9.18. Gazette date
30.10.18
31354 - 23 MAY 1919
Admiralty, S.W.,
24th
May, 1919.
The
KING (is) pleased to approve of the posthumous award
of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned
Officers:
Lieutenant-Commander
Geoffrey Saxton White, R.N.
For
most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as
Commanding Officer of H.M. Submarine "E 14"
on the 28tlh of January, 1918.
"E
14" left Mudros on the 27th of January under
instructions to force the Narrows and attack the "Goeben," which was reported aground off Nagara Point
after being damaged during her sortie from the
Dardanelles.
The latter vessel was not found and "E 14" turned
back. At about 8.45
a.m. on the 28th of January a torpedo was fired from "E 14" at
an enemy ship; 11 seconds after the torpedo left the
tube a heavy explosion took place, caused all lights
to go out, and sprang the fore hatch. Leaking badly
the boat was blown to 15 feet, and at once a heavy
fire came from the forts, but the hull was not hit.
"E 14" then dived and proceeded on her way out.
Soon
afterwards the boat became out of control, and as
the air supply was nearly exhausted,
Lieutenant-Commander White decided to run the risk
of proceeding on the surface. Heavy fire was
immediately opened from both sides, and, after
running the gauntlet for half-an-hour, being steered
from below, "E 14" was so badly damaged that
Lieutenant-Commander White turned towards the shore
in order to give the crew a chance of being saved.
He remained on deck the whole time himself until he
was killed bv a shell.
_____
Lieutenant
Frederick Parslow, R.N.R.
For
most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty
when in command of the Horse Transport
"Anglo-Californian" on the
4th July, 1915.
At
8
a.m.
on
4th July, 1915,
a large submarine was sighted on the port beam at a
distance of about one mile. The ship, which was
entirely unarmed, was immediately manoeuvred to
bring the submarine astern; every effort was made to
increase speed, and an S.O.S. call was sent out by
wireless, an answer being received from a
man-of-war. At 9
a.m. the submarine opened fire, and maintained a steady fire, making
occasional hits, until 10.30
a.m., meanwhile Lieutenant Parslow constantly altered course and kept the
submarine astern.
At
10 30 am the enemy hoisted the signal to "abandon
the vessel as fast as possible," and in order to
save life Lieutenant Parslow decided to obey, and
stopped engines to give as many of the the crew as
wished an opportunity to get away in the boats On
receiving a wireless message from a destroyer,
however, urging him to hold on as long as possible,
he decided to get way on the ship again The
submarine then opened a heavy fire on the bridge and
boats with guns and rifles, wrecking the upper
bridge, killing Lieutenant Parslow, and carrying
away one of the port davits, causing the boat to
drop into the sea and throwing its occupants into
the water.
At
about 11am
two destroyers arrived on the scene, and the
submarine dived
Throughout
the attack Lieutenant Parslow remained on the
bridge, on which the enemy fire was concentrated,
entirely without protection, and by his magnificent
heroism succeeded, at the cost of his own life, in
saving a valuable ship and cargo for the country He
set a splendid example to the officers and men of
the Mercantile Marine
_____
Lieutenant
Archibald Bisset Smith, R.N.R.
For
most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty
when in command of the S.S. "Otaki," on
the
10th March, 1917.
At
about 2 30 p m on 10th March, 1917 the S.S. "Otaki,"
whose armament consisted of one 4.7 in gun for
defensive purposes, sighted the disguised German
raider "Moewe," which was armed with four 5.9 inch,
one 4.1 inch and two 22 pdr guns, and two torpedo
tubes. The "Moewe" kept the "Otaki" under
observation for some time and finally called upon
her to stop. This Lieutenant Smith refused to do,
and a duel ensued at ranges of 1900-2000 yards, and
lasted for about 20 minutes.
During
this action, the "Otaki" scored several hits on the
"Moewe," causing considerable damage, and starting a
fire, which lasted for three days. She sustained
several casualties and received much damage herself,
and was heavilv on fire. Lieutenant Smith,
therefore, gave orders for the boats to be lowered
to allow the crew to be rescued. He remained on the
ship himself and went down with her when she sank
with the British colours still flying, after what
was described in an enemy account as "a duel as
gallant as naval history can relate."
31516
- 19 AUGUST 1919
Admiralty,
S.W., 22nd August, 1919.
The
KING (is) pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria
Cross to Lieutenant Augustine Wellington
Shelton Agar, R.N., in recognition of his
conspicuous gallantry, coolness and skill under
extremely difficult conditions in action.
31638
- 11 NOVEMBER 1919
Admiralty,
S.W., 11th November, 1919.
The
KING (is) pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria
Cross to the undermentioned Officers:
Commander
Claude Congreve Dobson, D.S.O., R.N.
For most conspicuous gallantry, skill and devotion
to duty on the occasion of the attack on Kronstadt
Harbour on the 18th August, 1919. Commander
Dobson organised and was in command of the Coastal
Motor Boat Flotilla. He led the flotilla through the
chain of forts to the entrance of the harbour. Coastal
Motor Boat No. 31, from which he directed the
general operations, then passed in, under a very
heavy machine-gun fire, and torpedoed the Bolshevik
Battleship "Andrei Pervozanni," subsequently
returning through the heavy fire of the forts and
batteries to the open sea.
Lieutenant
Gordon Charles Steele, R.N.
For most conspicuous gallantry, skill and devotion
to duty on the occasion of the attack on Kronstadt
Harbour on the 18th August, 1919. Lieutenant
Steele was second-in-command of H.M. Coastal
Motor Boat No. 88. After this boat had entered
the harbour the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant
Dayrell-Reed, was shot through the head and the boat
thrown off her course. Lieutenant Steele took the
wheel, steadied the boat, lifted Lieutenant
Dayrell-Reed away from the steering and firing
position and torpedoed the Bolshevik battleship
"Andrei Pervozanni" at a hundred yards range. He had
then a difficult manoeuvre to perform to get a clear
view of the battleship "Petropavlovsk," which was
overlapped by the "Andrei Pervozanni" and obscured
by smoke coming from that ship. The evolution,
however, was skilfully carried out, and the
"Petropavlovsk" torpedoed. This left Lieutenant
Steele with only just room to turn, in order to
regain the entrance to the harbour, but he effected
the movement with success and firing his machine
guns along the wall on his way, passed under the
line of forts through a heavy fire out of the
harbour.
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