Grayston, Edward Templeton

Date of birth:: November 12th, 1886
Nationality:: British

Biography

Born in 1886 he had a long seagoing career. As a Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve he commanded H.M.S. Cicala when she was part of the North Russian Expeditionary Force in 1918/1919. It was for his part in these actions that he was awarded the D.S.C. in October 1919. Twenty years later he was awarded the O.B.E. when his actions saved the S.S. Karamea - also owned by Messers. Shaw, Savage and Albion Company Ltd. of London.

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Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Russian Civil War (1917-1922)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: H.M.S. Cicala (P82), Royal Navy
Awarded on:: October 17th, 1919

For services in Russia, 1919

Royal Naval Reserve Officers Decoration (RD)

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Captain
Unit:: s.s. Karamea, British Merchant Navy
Awarded on:: December 1st, 1939

Citation:
"This ship was not armed. She was chased for four hours by the U-boat which sank " Bretagne ". The enemy fired at least 30 shells, many of which fell within a few feet of her hull. She surfaced so near that it was made difficult for " Karamea " to avoid ramming her. On this account and from her merciless treatment of " Bretagne", the Master felt that he could expect no quarter.
He therefore made up his mind to defy the enemy and to attempt escape. He was supported by the whole crew in this courageous, if reckless, resolve. His only hope was the intervention of one of H.M. Ships or Aircraft.
His act of faith was justified in the event and saved his ship."

Civil Division.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Sources

- The London Gazette of 1st December 1939, Issue 34744
- https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/31604
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