Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Awarded on:

January 24th, 1941

"During a heavy raid on Docks in London it was necessary to remove ships endangered by the attacks of enemy aircraft. Before this could be started a large amount of debris from burned timber sheds and buildings and a waterlogged barge, had to be cleared from the entrance approach. Fires were still burning in the immediate vicinity, which was thus an easy target for enemy raiders. The dockmaster and his staff nevertheless commenced the operations as soon as the tide served.

The movement of the ships from their berths and from the lock into the river occupied several hours. During most of this period enemy planes were overhead and bombed the docks and near neighbourhood.

All the dock officers and men engaged displayed remarkable coolness and devotion to duty under most exciting and dangerous conditions."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Awarded on:

March 11th, 1943

"Captain J. D. Archer, G.M., who, as assistant dockmaster of the Surrey Commercial Docks, London, which were exposed to very heavy German aerial bombardments on the 7th, 8th and 13th September, 1940, showed great courage and skill whilst shifting three Dutch ocean liners and one Dutch coastal vessel under dangerous conditions, as a result of which these ships were brought into safety."

Royal Decree No. 3, dd. 11-3-1943. Personally presented by Queen Wilhelmina at the Dutch Embassy, Chester Square, London, 19 October 1943

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

First World War (1914-1918)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)