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Olivant, Cecil Herbert

Date of birth:
July 22nd, 1901 (St. Albans/Hertfordshire, Great Britain)
Date of death:
August 27th, 1941
Mentioned on:
Portsmouth Naval Memorial
Plot: 49. Grave: 1.
Service number:
P/SS 11913
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Died on August 27th, 941 when his ship, ss Saugor was torpedoed by U 557 while it was sailing with Convoy OS.4.

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Rank:
Able Seaman
Unit:
H.M.S. Victory
Awarded on:
November 16th, 1938
Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 1936-1952
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Able Seaman
Unit:
s.s. Ben Nevis (1918), British Merchant Navy
Awarded on:
September 7th, 1940
"During an enemy air attack the ship while in dock suffered two direct hits from high explosive bombs, and some of the crew were killed. Flames enveloped the vessel except at the bows, but the master, Captain Shipton, with the help of the dock police got the fire under control and saved the magazine. By the afternoon things were so bad that the master abandoned ship, but with the help of Able Seaman C.H. Olivant the after moorings were let go the starboard anchor was dropped, and the ship placed with her stem in the middle of the dock and head to wind. Throughout the night Captain Shipton and Able Seaman Olivant, having borrowed a boat, tended the ship from the quay. Without the aid of Olivant, the ship would not have been in a position of safety, and later he refused to leave his post and take cover as there was ammunition still on board and he said he must remain with it. So soon as the attacks ceased Olivant brought off the officers and crew of the ship and got them food and other things of which they were in need."
Lloyd's War Medal for Bravery at Sea
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Able Seaman
Unit:
s.s. Ben Nevis (1918), British Merchant Navy
Awarded on:
December 10th, 1940
King's/Queen's Commendation for brave conduct
General citation:
"For brave conduct when their ships encountered enemy submarines, aircraft or mines.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Able Seaman
Awarded on:
September 2nd, 1949

Awarded posthumously.
1939-1945 Star
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Able Seaman
Unit:
s.s. Saugor, British Merchant Navy
Awarded on:
September 2nd, 1949

Awarded posthumously.
Atlantic Star
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Able Seaman
Awarded on:
September 2nd, 1949

Awarded posthumously.
War Medal 1939-1945

Sources

Photo