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Petrie, Christopher Henry

Date of birth:
April 18th, 1889 (Herdfordshire, Great Britain)
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Christopher Petrie joined the Navy at 15 years of age and commanded several ships during World War I. He retired in 1929 but returned to active service in 1939 to become captain of the Bulolo and Glengyle. During World war II Petrie was active in the evacuation from Greece in 1941 and convoying heavy and light oils to Malta in 1942.
Petrie was appointed to the planning staff for the Mulberry Harbour project for the invasion of Europe, and was specifically responsible for the construction of the artificial harbours and shelters in the British assault area.
Petrie retired in 1945.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Captain
Unit:
H.M.S. Glengyle, Royal Navy (H.M.S. Glengyle, Royal Navy)
Awarded on:
November 11th, 1941
Recommendation:
"Christopher Henry Petrie, Acting Captain, H.M.S. Glengyle. On the occasion of the embarkation of Crete Force from Sphakia on the night 29th/30th May, Captain Petrie handled his ship with skill and determination and the embarkation arrangements in the “Glengyle” were well organised and skilfully conducted."


Awarded as an immediate DSO.
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Captain
Unit:
H.M.S. Glengyle, Royal Navy (H.M.S. Glengyle, Royal Navy)
Awarded on:
January 8th, 1942
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Citation:
"For outstanding gallantry, fortitude and resolution during the Battle of Crete."

Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DSO.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With "NORTH AFRICA 1942-43" clasp.
Africa Star

Sources

  • - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35342 published on the 7 November 1941
    - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35409 published on the 6 January 1942
    - Dix Noonan Webb

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