Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea awarded to Naval Gunlayer R. F. Edwards, of the S.S. Satellite, for his bravery when his ship was attacked by an enemy bomber on 25 September 1940; receiving the King’s Commendation for the same action

Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea, silver (R. F. Edwards, A.B., S.S. “Satellite” 26th (sic) September 1940) some edge bruising, good very fine £1200-1400

King’s Commendation London Gazette 13 December 1940. ‘The Individuals named below have been brought to the notice for brave conduct when their ships encountered enemy submarines, aircraft or mines.’ ‘Reginald Frank Edwards, Gunlayer.’

‘S.S. Satellite - The Satellite was attacked on September 25th by an enemy bomber, about 21/2 miles North of Wolf Rock. During four attacks the vessel was machine-gunned, tracer bullets setting on fire a case of Cordite Charges. Trinity House Seaman Gunner A. Simons and Naval Gunlayer R. F. Edwards, at once threw the burning box overboard, where it exploded a few fathoms astern of the vessel. This prompt action saved the crew from harm and probably preserved the ship from serious damage. As on previous occasions, the crew of the Satellite showed their fighting spirit by replying vigorously to the enemy’s attack, and their counter-fire drove off the enemy bomber. The machine was reported to be losing height when breaking off the attack.’ (extract from the Medals Sub-Committee of Lloyd’s of London).

On 5 December 1940 the Medals Sub-Committee of Lloyd’s recommended the award of their Silver Medal for Bravery to Seaman Gunner J. E. A. Symons (Trinity House Seaman Gunner A. Simons’ name crossed out) and Naval Gunlayer R. F. Edwards. Both Symons and Edwards additionally received the King’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.

With copied gazette extract and other research.