TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Pitcher, Ernest Herbert (James)

Date of birth:
December 31st, 1888 (Mullion/Cornwall, United Kingdom)
Date of death:
February 10th, 1946 (Sherborne/Dorset, United Kingdom)
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Graves Northbrook Cemetery
Plot: F. Grave: 122.
Service number:
P/227029
Nationality:
British

Biography

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
July 20th, 1917
Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:
Petty Officer
Unit:
H.M.S. "Dunraven", Royal Navy
Awarded on:
October 30th, 1917
"On 8th August 1917 in the Bay of Biscay, Atlantic, Petty Officer Pitcher was the 4-inch gun layer on HMS Dunraven (one of the Q ships) when she was shelled by an enemy submarine. He and the rest of the crew waited while the battle went on overhead and all around them. When the magazine below them caught fire they took up cartridges and held them on their knees to prevent the heat of the deck igniting them and when the magazine finally blew up they were all blown into the air."

P.O. Pitcher was selected by the crew of a gun of one of H.M. Ships to receive the Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant dated 29th January, 1856.
Victoria Cross (VC)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
December 19th, 1917
Croix de Guerre (1914-1918)
Period:
First World War (1914-1918)
Awarded on:
August 28th, 1918
Médaille Militaire
King George VI Coronation Medal

Sources

Photo

Themes