Orders, Decorations and Medals

A good Second World War “Portsmouth blitz” B.E.M. group of six awarded to Chief Inspector T. McDonagh, Hampshire Constabulary, late Royal Navy

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Thomas McDonagh), in its card box of issue; British War and Victory Medals (M. 25412 Sh. Cpl. 2, R.N.); Defence Medal 1939-45; Coronation 1953, in its card box of issue; Police Long Service, G.VI.R. (Ch. Inspr.), in its card box of issue, generally good very fine or better (6) £400-500

B.E.M. London Gazette 30 May 1941. The recommendation states:

‘I respectfully beg to report that during the heavy air raids on Gosport, particularly on the nights of 10-11 January and 10-11 March 1941, exceptionally good work has been done by Inspector T. McDonagh.

This officer has been unremitting in his efforts to cope with the various incidents, and largely as a result of his activities the situation at no time got out of hand, and the Police Service functioned with smoothness and efficiency.

At great risk during the height of the raids he personally undertook the examination of many reported unexploded bombs, and throughout remained cool and cheerful. On numerous occasions he has entered partially demolished and collapsing houses in search of the occupants, often with bombs falling in the vicinity.

He has performed long hours of duty, at times in situations of considerable danger, and although lacking rest has remained unperturbed and continued to devote his energies most wholeheartedly to his duties.

His coolness, freedom from excitement, and composure in dangerous and trying situations on many occasions has set a fine example to the officers under him, and he has at all times proved himself an inspiring leader.

Night of 10-11 January 1941: During the height of the intensive raid on Portsmouth and Gosport, Inspector T. McDonagh was unable to contact the Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade or the A.R.P. Executive Officer.

On his own intiative he arranged for mutual aid for fire fighting and organised fire fighting parties at the lower end of the town. His energy was undoubtedly instrumental in confining the fires and saving much property.

Many high explosive bombs were falling in the district and the whole area was illuminated when reports were received that persons were believed to be trapped in the under mentioned buildings, all of which were on fire and in danger of collapsing:

London Cafe, North Street, Gosport.
27 and 28 North Street, Gosport.
27 and 28 Clarence Square, Gosport.

The Inspector at once entered these buildings and so far as possible searched all the rooms.

Later a report was received that some horses were in a stable attached to Messrs. Hoare & Pilchers, Furnishing Stores and Repository, High Street, Gosport.

These were very large premises and the whole was blazing furiously. Nevertheless, the Inspector forced an entry into the stables, which were in danger of collapsing, and satisfied himself no horses were there. These premises were completely destroyed.

The whole of the properties mentioned were in the lower part of town, which was most heavily attacked.

Night of 10-11 March 1941: During the height of the second intensive raid on Portsmouth and Gosport, reports were received that persons were trapped in 105 and 111 Forton Road, Gosport, which were on fire, and in 38 Bury Road, Gosport, which was partially demolished by high explosive bomb.

The Inspector searched all these premises and satisfied himself no person was trapped. 105 and 111 Forton Road were burned out and 38 Bury Road completely collapsed shortly afterwards.

These actions were all performed during the continuance of the raid with many high explosive and incendiary bombs falling in the vicinity.’

Thomas McDonagh was 45 years of age at the time of the above related events, and had by then served in the Hampshire Constabulary for some 26 years.