Orders, Decorations and Medals

Four: H. W. Donald, Gunner, Merchant Navy

BRITISH WAR MEDAL (J.92076, Boy. 2. R.N.); 1939-45 STAR; ATLANTIC STAR; WAR MEDAL; M.I.D., mounted as worn, very fine (4)

Commended London Gazette, 26 July, 1940.

'S.S. Northern Coast, a vessel of 1,200 tons, was twice attacked by enemy aircraft.

First the aircraft flew over the ship five times, machine-gunning and dropping bombs from a height of a few hundred feet. Two shells from the H.A. gun burst close to the aircraft and it was hit by Lewis gun bullets. During the last attack, one bomb made a hole through the hull below the waterline, but did not explode, and another hit the deck, blowing the winch overboard, destroying the bridge and scattering glass everywhere. The aircraft was then attacked by one of our fighters and driven off, with its under-carriage down and smoke and oil pouring from it. The ship's crew put out a fire which had been started and worked the ship safely back to port, the Engineers staying at their posts although the ship was leaking badly. The second time the ship was attacked by an aircraft flying at 1,000 to 2,000 feet, which made three attacks, each time dropping four bombs. Although no direct hits were scored, near misses wrecked nearly all the repairs made after the first attack. There were fifty-two holes along the starboard side of the hull. The ship again engaged the aircraft with the H.A. gun and the Lewis gun and bullets were seen to enter it. Captain Quirk, the Officers and all the crew showed the greatest courage and coolness.'

Commendations for brave conduct earned by the Merchant Navy during the Second World War, were denoted by the mention in despatches emblem.