Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Stoker 1st Class

Awarded on:

August 25th, 1942

Recommendation:
"Early in the action the Motor Mechanic was seriously wounded and the Leading Stoker killed, leaving Spinks as the only rating capable of work in the engine room. Spinks himself had his leg broken but tackled and extinguished a fire which had broken out. When orders were given to abandon ship, he received a wound in his other leg from a cannon shell. He was placed on a raft, but when the boat was re-boarded he insisted on being lowered into the engine room which was without lights, full of fumes and liable at any moment to blaze again. He succeeded in directing other members of the crew in repairs and starting one auxiliary engine and getting the boat underway. He was eventually overcome by exhaustion and was removed from the engine room unconscious. Although 201 sank before reaching harbour, the boat was able to withdraw from the enemy coast with the surviving members of the crew, only through the action of Spink who showed gallantry and devotion to duty of a high order, and a complete disregard for personal danger."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "FRANCE AND GERMANY" clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)