Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

s.s. "Rockpool" (Sir R. Ropner and Company, West Hartlepool)

Awarded on:

December 15th, 1939

Citation:
"A U-Boat suddenly appeared on the beam at about 1,5 miles distance, and immediately fired a shot which fell about 100 yards short.
The second shot was close on the quarter. The Master at once altered helm to bring the U-Boat astern and his gun into action.
He fired thirteen rounds, which fell so close that the enemy was drenched with spray. The U-Boat fired some twenty rounds, and " Rockpool" was straddled, but not hit. After a stern chase of an hour and a quarter she shook off the enemy by zig-zagging behind a screen of smoke floats.
The crew showed great coolness under fire and all who could helped in the action.
The Master handled his ship in a seamanlike manner and deserves great praise for his coolness and judgment, and for the readiness and efficiency of his ship's company. The U-Boat, which he was the first to sight, was in due course destroyed by the Royal Navy."