Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War M.B.E. awarded to Chief Officer L. Vernon, Merchant Navy, who was decorated for his gallantry in command of an open boat following the loss of the M.V. Empire Star in October 1942

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Civil) Member’s 2nd type breast badge, silver, in its Royal Mint case of issue, together with original warrant of award, dated 2 March 1943, and Buckingham Palace forwarding letter, extremely fine £150-200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to Merchant Seamen and D.E.M.S. Gunners.

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M.B.E. London Gazette 2 March 1943. The joint citation states:

‘The ship, sailing alone, was torpedoed. Abandonment was ordered and all the crew, except four who had been killed by the explosion, got away in three boats or on rafts. No sooner had they got clear of the ship than she sank rapidly. The men on the rafts were transferred to one of the boats, an operation rendered difficult by reason of the heavy seas running.

The Chief Officer was in charge of a boat containing 34 persons. All through the night this boat lay to a sea anchor and it was due to Mr. Vernon’s courage, resource and skill that the boat survived the heavy weather. Two days later they were picked up.

Able Seaman Donaldson displayed outstanding devotion to duty, and ably assisted the Chief Officer in the handling of the boat during this critical time.

By his skilful seamanship, the Third Officer brought his boat, with its 27 occupants, to safety after a voyage of four days in heavy weather.’

Leslie Vernon, who was born in Liverpool in June 1909, was serving as Chief Officer of the M.V. Empire Star when she was torpedoed and sunk by the U-615, commanded by some thousand miles west of Ushant on 23 October 1943. In addition to those killed by the torpedo, it is sad to relate that the third open boat, with the Master, 25 crew, six D.E.M.S. gunners, and six passengers, was never seen again.

For his own part, Vernon received his first wartime command, the M.V. Samannan, in October 1944, and remained employed by the Blue Star Line for many years, finally coming ashore in August 1969.

Also sold with an original Creetown and Carsluith welcome home certificate in respect of the recipient’s services in the 1939-45 War. together with a file of research.