Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

H.M.S. Mohawk (F31), Royal Navy

Awarded on:

December 23rd, 1939

"Commander Jolly's gallantry consisted of bringing his ship into harbour when he himself was mortally wounded. H.M.S. Mohawk had been attacked by an enemy aircraft and had suffered a large number of casualties. Commander Jolly, who was on the bridge, was severely wounded in the stomach but refused to leave the bridge or allow himself to be attended to; he continued to direct the Mohawk for a 35-mile passage home which lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes. He was too weak for his orders to be heard, but these were repeated by his wounded Navigating Officer. He was repeatedly invited to go down to receive medical attention but he refused saying "Leave me—go and look after the others ". Having brought his ship into port, Commander Jolly rang off the main engines and immediately collapsed. He died some five hours after being landed."
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The Captain of his Flotilla reported as follows: —
" The behaviour of the ship's company in the face of the casualties and damage was of the highest standard. This is what I should have expected of Commander Jolly's ship. Commander Jolly was an imperturbable Commander, of careful judgment, who devoted his energies to perfecting his ship and ship's company for battle. His fearlessness and honesty in counsel were remarkable, and he proved his bravery and devotion to his wounded men when for a long period he manoeuvred his ship despite a mortal wound."

Decoration posthumously awarded. Later exchanged for the George Cross after 24 September 1940.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Commander

Unit:

H.M.S. Mohawk (F31), Royal Navy

Awarded on:

1940