AWARDS FOR BRAVERY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 December 1939, Page 5

AWARDS FOR BRAVERY

NAVAL AND AIR ACTIONS. SOME STIRRING EXPLOITS. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. LONDON, December 24. The King has awarded the Military Order of the British Empire to Commander Richard Frank Jolly, who was mortally injured by a Nazi warplane. He brought the destroyer Mowhawk back to port 35 miles away in 80 minutes, rang off the engines, and died five hours later. His wounded navigating officer had to repeat Commander Jolly’s weak-voiced orders. The commander declined medical aid, saying. “Look after the others.” The same award was also made to a fourteen-stone Air Force gunner, who is now making favourable progress in "hospital. He shot down five Messerschmitts in Heligoland Bight on December 18, though he was shot through the thigh, and the planes wings were shot to tatters, one being on fire, and the fuselage riddled with bullets. The crew removed him on their backs after the machine had landed at nightfall, and a tyre had burst. Lieutenant-Commanders John Curvy and Roger Lewis are awarded the Distinguished Service Order for courageously and skilfully securing and stripping live mines regardless of their own safety. Lieutenant J. H. Eaden, commanding the submarine Spearfish, received the Distinguished Service Cross, and Chief Engineroom Artificer Peel and Petty Officer Blackmore received Distinguished Service Medals lor gallantly when the submarine was depth-bomb-ed early this month. These men displayed courage, seamanship and resolution in bringing their ship safe home after many prolonged and violent enemy attacks which almost put her out oi action. it is announced that the King has sanctioned the publication on New Year’s Day of a further list of honours, decorations and awards, approved by him for the Royal Navy.