Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Chief Engineer

Unit:

s.s. Fort Buckingham, British Merchant Navy

Awarded on:

January 20th, 1944

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Chief Engineer

Unit:

s.s. Fort Buckingham, British Merchant Navy

Awarded on:

August 15th, 1944

"When the ship, sailing alone, was toredoed in darkness she broke in two and sank in about six minutes. It was not possible to launch the lifeboats but many survivors were able to get on to rafts which floated clear.
The Chief Engineer Officer displayed great courage, fortitude and outstanding qualities of leadership. After being taken down by the ship he came to the surface. Despite this overwhelming experience he swam to a raft, took charge of the situation and, after organising the rescue of many of the crew who were in the water, he mustered the rafts together and maintained order and discipline.
His efforts were undoubtedly mainly responsible for the saving of a large number of lives."

Civil Division