Example of Citations for Second World War Honours and Awards

Examples of Citations for Second World War Honours and Awards

Source: PRO: ADM 1/11376 - As part of HM Submarines "Truant" & "Upright" War Patrols, December 1940 to March 1941 22 awards & 3 recommendations

All the reports were compiled at H.M. S/M Base Lazaretto, Malta. Three examples follow:-

Lieutenant Edward Dudley Norman R.N.

Dated 14^th March 1941, this report was made by Cdr. G.G. Simpson R.N. - Commander (S) Malta

Whether recommendation for award of decoration or Mention in Despatches - ‘Award of Decoration’

Stated as already in possession of a D.S.C.

.....

…..‘Lieutenant E.D. Norman was in command of H.M.S. "UPRIGHT" on war patrol in the Central Mediterranean between 19^th and 26^th February 1941. During the middle watch on 23^rd February "UPRIGHT" located and sank by Torpedo a darkened and zigzagging enemy vessel carrying petrol to forces in Tripolitania, and during the middle watch on the 25^th February he attacked and sank by Torpedo an enemy cruiser, escorted by two other enemy warships. Only twelve minutes elapsed between sighting this fast and powerful enemy ship and firing the torpedoes which sank it.

……The difficulties overcome in these two successive attacks carried out on dark nights exemplify the efficiency and alertness of his command and Lieutenant Norman’s personal determination and skill’.

This was processed, initially by the Admiral Superintending Malta, Vice Admiral Sir Wilbraham T.R. Ford. His comments were as follows:-

‘Fully concur with the recommendation. The sinking of the cruiser believed to be the Armando Diaz was a notable and skillful feat of arms’

This was then passed on to the Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean, Vice Admiral Sir Andrew B. Cunningham.

Lieutenant Norman subsequently received a Distinguished Service Order for these actions.

The other reports were made by Lt. Norman, as commanding officer of H.M.S/M. UPRIGHT, on similar forms on 18^th March 1941.

Chief Petty Officer Hector Frederick Ansell

Official number: J62899

Chatham Division

Whether recommendation for award of decoration or Mention in Despatches - ‘Award of Decoration’

Stated as holding the Naval General Service, Victory and Long Service & Good Conduct medals

......

‘Chief petty Officer Ansell was serving on board H.M.S. UPRIGHT during the war patrol in the central Mediterranean between 19^th and 26^th February 1941.

..... ‘In his capacity as Chief Torpedo Gunner’s Mate he was responsible for the care and maintenance of the torpedo armament and for the correct drill and firing of the torpedoes on the nights of 23^rd and 25^th February; when an enemy vessel loaded with petrol bound for Tripolitania and an escorted enemy cruiser were sunk by UPRIGHT’s torpedoes on these respective nights.

..... ‘Chief Petty Officer Ansell’s outstanding zeal and devotion to duty assured the efficiency of UPRIGHT’s main armament, and he has always set a high example’.

C.P.O. Ansell received a Distinguished Service Medal for this.

Stoker 1^st class Alfred Stephen Burvill

Official Number: KX86653

Portsmouth Division

Whether recommendation for award of decoration or Mention in Despatches - ‘Award of Decoration’

...... ‘Stoker Burvill was serving on board H.M.S. UPRIGHT during the war patrol in the central Mediterranean between 19^th and 26^th February 1941.

..... ‘Stoker Burvill assists in the maintenance of all the auxiliary machinery and on engine room watchkeeping duties at sea and was employed in this capacity during this patrol when an enemy cruiser and also an enemy vessel laden with petrol were torpedoed and sunk by UPRIGHT.

..... ‘Stoker Burvill’s zeal and devotion to duty have largely assisted in maintaining UPRIGHT in an efficient state’.

A.S. Malta ‘fully’ concurred, but on going through Vice-Admiral Cunningham’s office, Stoker 1^stclass was mentioned in despatches.

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