Albert medal

Discussion in 'The War at Sea' started by dbf, Dec 31, 2009.

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  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, August 18, 1943:

    MERCHANT NAVY BRAVERY

    ALBERT MEDAL
    Mr Gordon Love BASTIAN, M.B.E., Sec. Eng. Off.

    See post no. 33 for further information from Hugh
     
  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, November 24, 1943:

    NAVAL AWARDS
    ALBERT MEDAL FOR STOKER

    For bravery in saving life at sea:-

    ALBERT MEDAL
    Stoker 1 Cl. D.W. DALE (New Zealand)

    When there was a bad explosion in his ship in dock, Dale, as all anti-smoke apparatus was already in use, tied a handkerchief round his mouth, and went down into a smoke-filled compartment, from which he helped to rescue four workmen. He then came up for a spell, after which he went down in another part of the ship to the compartment in which the explosion had taken place. With help from one other man, he here rescued two dockyard workmen, getting them up through a manhole with ropes. To reach the scene of destruction Dale, who was still without apparatus, had to grope his way through smoke and debris. The last twisted vertical ladder down which he went fell short of reaching the deck below. Hearing the cries of those trapped, he trusted to chance and jumped. Luckily the deck proved firm. Although unaware of the full damage which had been caused to the ship, Dale well knew that he was facing the gravest danger.
     
  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, December 8, 1943:

    MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

    ALBERT MEDAL
    David McRAE, Able Seaman (deceased)

    See post no. 34 for further information from Hugh
     
  4. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, July 12, 1944:

    NAVAL AWARDS

    For bravery in attempting to save life at sea:-

    ALBERT MEDAL (POSTHUMOUS)
    Sub.-Lt. (A) G. McHARDY, R.N.V.R.
    Sick Berth Attdt. I.T. GRIFFITHS

    When an aircraft crashed while landing on H.M.S. Illustrious and came to rest with the engine on the flight deck and the tail on top of a pom-pom gun, petrol began to pour from the wreck, and within two minutes Sub-Lt. McHardy, who had himself only just landed, and Sick Berth Attdt. Griffiths climbed on to the aircraft in an attempt to free the pilot, although both knew well the extreme risk. They were killed by the explosion that followed.

    :poppy: Sub-Lieutenant (A) GEORGE McHARDY, A.M., H.M.S.Illustrious., Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who died age 22 on 12 March 1944
    Son of Robert and Janet McHardy, of East Finchley, Middlesex; husband of Ingeborg McHardy.
    Remembered with honour MADRAS WAR CEMETERY, CHENNAI
    Grave/Memorial Reference: 6. A. 2.
    CWGC :: Casualty Details

    :poppy: Sick Berth Attendant IVOR THOMAS GRIFFITHS, A.M., D/MX 93880, H.M.S. Illustrious, Royal Navy who died age 23 on 11 March 1944
Son of Thomas and Jane Griffiths; husband of Glenys Cavell Griffiths, of Cyffylliog, Flintshire.
Remembered with honour PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
    Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 91, Column 1.
    CWGC :: Casualty Details
     
  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, July 18, 1945:

    NAVAL AWARDS
    POSTHUMOUS ALBERT MEDAL FOR STOKER

    ALBERT MEDAL IN BRONZE (POSTHUMOUS)
    Stoker Second Class Charles Alexander PETHEBRIDGE, R.A.N.R.

    For gallantry in saving life at sea at the cost of his own. When the ship on which he was a passenger was torpedoed, Stoker Pethebridge got away with 20 others on a raft. During the ordeal which followed Pethebridge left this raft on several occasions, without a lifebelt, to go to the help of those who through physical weakness could not prevent themselves from slipping into the sea. The strain of this merciful work upon himself was such that he could not carry on, and during the night which followed the sinking of the ship he disappeared.


    :poppy: Stoker CHARLES ALEXANDER PETHEBRIDGE A.M., W2164, H.M.A.S. Perth, Royal Australian Naval Reserve who died age 21 on 12 September 1944

    Son of John Anthony and Sarah Anne Pethebridge.

    Remembered with honour PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
    Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 92, Column 3.
    CWGC :: Casualty Details
     
  6. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From The Times, April 30, 1941:
    ALBERT MEDAL FOR TWO SEAMEN

    RESCUER WHO HELD ROPE WITH HIS TEETH
    Acting Second Hand J.H. MITCHELL, R.N.R.

    On September 27 Chief Engineman WEDDERBURN fell into the sea between two trawlers in harbour. He could not swim, and was soon unconscious. An unknown seaman, who jumped in to save him was soon in difficulties. Mitchell, hearing his shouts, clambered over a vessel to the quay, ran 100 yards, climbed across two other ships, and jumped into the water. He seized Wedderburn, who was sinking, by the hair, and held up the other man until a rope was passed down from the trawler. This he secured with a bowline round the now helpless seaman, using one hand, while he supported both men and himself by gripping the rope with his teeth. The seaman was then hauled out of the water by the men in the trawler.

    Mitchell, although fully clad, and wearing sea boots, supported Wedderburn by treading water until a pilot ladder could be lowered. He made the rope fast round Wedderburn, and steadied him as he was hauled out. He had been in very cold water for 35 minutes, and was unconscious when rescued.
     
  7. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Many thanks D

    very interesting and moving.
     
  8. beeza

    beeza Senior Member

    May I stick my tuppence worth in.
    The Albert medal was awarded in two classes, gold and bronze. The bronze was only
    awarded posthumously. In 1971 the award was discontinued and replaced with the
    George Cross and all living recipients invited to exchange their AM for a GC.
    I believe that the replacement of the medal by the GC indicates the unique honor that the AM was held.
    David
     
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  9. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Post no.4 refers.
    AWARDS FOR NAVAL GALLANTRY

    ALBERT MEDAL
    Cadet D. Hay

    Hay was serving in a merchantman which was sunk by an enemy raider. She was heavily shelled and machine-gunned, and many of her crew were killed. Two boats were got away, but the others were shot to pieces. Those of the crew who were left on board launched two rafts, and just before the ship went down they jumped in and swam for them. Hay reached a raft, but, although sharks were swimming all round him, he dived in again and rescued the radio officer. As he swam back to the raft his clothing was torn by a shark.

    EURYLOCHUS official number 131424 built in 1921 (Blue Funnel Line) A.Holt & Co.

    29 January 1941 Cadet David Hay RNR, ss EURYLOCHUS (Caird), sunk by German raider raider KORMORAN (Detmers) on this date in the Central Atlantic in 08.19N, 25.01W. Dived into shark-infested sea to save a shipmate. Awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 8 July 1941.

    15 of the crew were lost, thirty eight were taken prisoner. Twenty eight survivors were picked up by Spanish steamer MONTE TEIDE.

    Cadet Hay was also awarded the Lloyds War Medal for bravery at sea.

    See also post no.133 by Bernard De Neumann (Merchant Navy Awards)

    Regards
    Hugh
     
  10. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Post no.14 refers.
    MERCHANT NAVY BRAVERY

    ALBERT MEDAL
    Albert SHEARING, able seaman

    For great bravery in saving life at sea.

    Tanker CASPIA official number 160551 built in 1928 for Overseas Oil & Transport Co.

    16 April 1942 Able Seaman Albert Shearing MN, ss CASPIA (Humphries), tanker, torpedoed and sunk by U.81 (Guggenberger) on this date 10 miles south of Beirut. Saved life at sea. Awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 5 January 1943.

    See also post no.133 by Bernard De Neumann (Merchant Navy Awards)

    Regards
    Hugh
     
  11. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Post no.15 refers.
    ALBERT MEDAL
    John Sedgwick GREGSON, apprentice

    The ship was set on fire by a torpedo during an attack by enemy aircraft. The flames spread rapidly and almost immediately orders were given to abandon ship. One of the ship's gunners was pinned under a raft. Gregson immediately went to his assistance and, with help, freed him. The gunner had sustained severe injuries, and, as it was impossible to get him into a boat or on to a raft, he was dropped overboard. Gregson dived into the sea after him, and, in the darkness, towed his helpless shipmate to a ship which picked them up, a distance of about 600 yards.


    Cargo ship DEUCALION official number 162329 built in 1930 for Blue Funnel (A.Holt & Co)

    12 August 1942 Apprentice John Gregson MN, MV DEUCALION (Brown) with Malta convoy ‘Pedestal’, torpedoed and sunk by enemy aircraft off Cani Rocks, Tunisia. Saved the life of a trapped member of the crew and towed him to safety. Awarded Albert Medal gazetted 2 February 1943.

    Apprentice Gregson was also awarded the Lloyds War Medal for bravery at sea.

    See also post no.133 by Bernard De Neumann (Merchant Navy Awards)

    Regards
    Hugh
     
  12. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Post no.20 refers.
    MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

    ALBERT MEDAL
    James Arthur REEVES, Chief Officer

    The ship was torpedoed, and was being abandoned when two men were seen floating in the oily water which flooded the engine-room to a depth of 25ft. Both were helpless, one being badly injured and the other overcome by oil fumes. All the engine-room ladders had been destroyed, but using a boat ladder, Chief Officer Reeves descended into the engine-room and secured lines about both men. While being hauled to safety one of the men slipped back into the oily water. Mr. Reeves again descended into the engine-room, which was rapidly filling with surging oil and water, and secured another rope about the injured man, who was then brought on deck.

    Tanker ATHELTEMPLAR official number 161160 built in 1930 for United Molasses Co.

    14 September 1942 Chief Officer James Reeves MN, MT ATHELTEMPLAR (Ray), sailing in Russian convoy PQ.18, torpedoed on this date by U.457 (Brandenburg) in the Barents Sea, abandoned but stayed afloat and ablaze, finished off by the gunfire of U.408 (v. Hymmen). Rescued two men from the flooding engine-room while the ship was being abandoned. Awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 25 May 1943.

    Chief Officer Reeves was also awarded the Lloyds War Medal for bravery at sea.

    See also post no.133 by Bernard De Neumann (Merchant Navy Awards)

    Regards
    Hugh
     
  13. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Post no.21 refers.
    MERCHANT NAVY BRAVERY

    ALBERT MEDAL
    Mr Gordon Love BASTIAN, M.B.E., Sec. Eng. Off.

    Cargo ship EMPIRE BOWMAN official number 168714 built in 1942 for the Ministry of War Transport (MoWT)/Hain SS Co.

    30 March 1943 2nd Engineer Gordon Bastian MN, ss EMPIRE BOWMAN (Cranch OBE), cargo ship, sailing with Sierra Leone-UK convoy SL.126. Torpedoed and sunk by U.404 (v.Bülow) on this date in the North Atlantic in 47.26N, 15.53W. Rescued two men from the flooding engine-room. Awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 17 August 1943.

    Gordon Love Bastian, Esq., M.B.E., Second Engineer Officer, Merchant Navy.
    The ship in which Mr. Bastian was serving was torpedoed and sustained severe damage. Mr. Bastian was on watch in the engine-room when the ship was struck. He at once shut off the engines. He then remembered that two firemen were on watch in the stokehold. The engine‑room was in darkness and water was already pouring into it. Although there was grave risk of disastrous flooding in open­ing the watertight door between the stokehold and engine‑room, Mr. Bastian did not hesitate but groped his way to the door and opened it. The two firemen were swept into the engine-­room with the inrush of water. One man had a broken arm and injured feet and the other was badly bruised and shaken. Mr. Bastian made efforts to hold them both but lost one, so he dragged the other to the escape ladder and helped him on deck. He then returned for the other and helped him to safety. The more seriously injured man had practically to be lifted up the ladder by Mr. Bastian, who was himself half choked by cordite fumes.
    Second Engineer Officer Bastian took a very great risk in opening the watertight door into the already flooded and darkened engine-­room of the sinking ship and both men un­doubtedly owe their lives to his exceptional bravery, strength and presence of mind.

    Second Engineer Officer Bastian was also awarded the Lloyds War Medal for bravery at sea.

    See also post no.133 by Bernard De Neumann (Merchant Navy Awards)

    Regards
    Hugh
     
  14. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Post no.23 refers.
    MERCHANT NAVY AWARDS

    ALBERT MEDAL
    David McRAE, Able Seaman (deceased)

    Cargo ship BROUGHTY official number 144705 built in 1921 for Dundee, Perth & London Sg Co Ltd. The ship survived the war.

    3 July 1943 Able Seaman David McRae MN, BROUGHTY, cargo ship, in port in the UK. Saved the life of a shipmate in a gas-filled tank at the cost of his own. Posthumously awarded Albert Medal, gazetted 7 December 1943 .

    The ship in which McRae was serving was lying in a United Kingdom port when the boatswain entered the deep tank to obtain some oil. This tank had previously contained ground nut oil and the residue, hav­ing decomposed, had deprived the air in the tank of oxygen. As the boatswain was ascending the ladder from the bottom of the tank he collapsed. A stevedore went to his rescue but he was forced to return and had to be helped out of the tank in a dazed condition. McRae, wearing a civilian duty respirator, then descended the ladder into the tank and he was able to secure a line around the boatswain before he, too, collapsed. The boatswain was hoisted to safety from the tank but when Able Seaman McRae was brought up later he failed to respond to first‑aid treatment and died before reaching hospital.
    McRae, having seen the boatswain collapse and the stevedore driven back, well knew the risks he was taking in entering the tank. By his very gallant action he saved the life of his shipmate but he sacrificed his own.

    See also post no.133 by Bernard De Neumann (Merchant Navy Awards)


    Regards
    Hugh
     
  15. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Hugh - can you find an entry in cwgc for David McRae?
     
  16. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Hugh - can you find an entry in cwgc for David McRae?

    I can't find him Diane. This is quite strange and unless anyone else can find him I will have to pursue.
    The ship was in Humber Dock when attacked so his body would have been buried ashore. He should still be commemorated by the CWGC.
    Regards
    Hugh
     
  17. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Hugh,
    I had a look for him yesterday evening and tried checking other nationalities and even spelling variations. MacRae, McRea, McCrea, but couldn't find any entry to add to the original post. He surely must be somewhere, I thought, but last night perhaps wasn't the best time to do a methodical search... did you search using date of death?
     
  18. Hugh MacLean

    Hugh MacLean Senior Member

    Hello Diane,
    I have thought a little more about this and I now think that he will not be mentioned on the CWGC site. My reasoning being that he died saving his friend while the ship was in a UK port and was not, as far as I am aware, under attack. His death, therefore, was not due to enemy action or increased war risk. This was the criteria in which all Merchant Navy losses needed to meet to earn a place on the CWGC Roll of Honour.

    Regards
    Hugh
     
  19. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Hugh,
    Thanks for the clarification.


    Edit:
    I had to add this comment as I feel so angry: the criteria for MN deaths is really arbitrary and doesn't do any honour to those men like David McRae who served during WW2, and who died during that service. As Hugh has pointed out to me, whilst those who died in the other 3 services are automatically entitled to be recorded on CWGC Roll of Honour, the Merchant Navy men are subject to rules of qualification. I never knew this before, and it really saddens me.
     
  20. Neumann

    Neumann Junior Member

    I can add a little to this discussion. Many survivors from British ships, after they were sunk, made their way, in one way or another, to foreign shores, where they were designated Distressed British Seamen (DBS). In the first couple of years of the war, their pay stopped the instant they abandoned ship, until they signed on to another. Some DBS worked their passage home as this put them back onto pay (and into the “books”), but such opportunity was not available to the majority who were shipped as passengers aboard other ships. If these ships were lost en route home, then only the crew counted as MN, and the passengers were not. So any DBS who died whilst having the status of a passenger was not considered to be MN, and thus did not appear as such in the CWGC registers. Also some MN personnel did not have “home” addresses as they lived entirely on board ship as crew, or in hostels, and so there was no one to report them as missing if they “disappeared”.

    There are other harsh treatments that can be cited: For example the ss Ashbury, ran aground and was lost with all hands on 8th January 1945 in Talmine Bay in what was a large non-war loss. By that time she had been at sea on war service for several years without proper attention to her boilers, and so she was scheduled to dock for a boiler clean and refurbishment. Consequently she unloaded and then went to Loch Ewe to join a WN convoy to the east coast. Despite having lost an anchor, she was ordered to sea in the face of an approaching storm by a Naval Control Service Officer (NCSO), against her Master’s (Capt David Morris) better judgement, and sailed in convoy. The storm and the poor condition of her boilers caused her to lose touch with the convoy. She found herself being blown onto the shore, and lost her only other anchor trying to prevent grounding on the visible rocks. Eventually she was blown onto Dubh Sgeir Mhor, and wrecked with the loss of all hands. As she was not considered a “war loss”, the relatives of her crew did not receive the normal compensation, and her crew’s pay would have stopped the moment they were lost. This naturally caused a great deal of discontent amongst the dependants.
     
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