Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Lloyd’s Medal for Meritorious Services, 3rd type, silver (2nd. Officer Thomas Jones, S.S. “Asturian” 18th. February 1917.) extremely fine £300-£400

‘At 7:30 a.m. on 18 February 1917, an enemy submarine opened fire without warning on the steamer Asturian (Master Arthur Hilditch) at a range of five to six miles. The ship altered course to bring the submarine astern, proceeded at full speed, and opened fire in reply. The submarine fired about 90 rounds, only two of which struck the ship, causing serious damage and killing an able seaman ad ship’s cook who were passing out ammunition cases to the gunners. After the ship had been hit smoke apparatus was brought into use, and although it practically put the ship’s gun out of action it seems to have prevented further hits being made by the submarine. The ship fired about 75 rounds, but the submarine was out of range. After an hour and a quarter one of H.M. Ships arrived on the scene, and the submarine submerged.
The Asturian’s escape was mainly due to the creditable way in which the Master handled his ship and used the smoke apparatus. The Master especially mentions the Second Officer [Thomas Jones], who showed great courage in assisting to fire the gun and getting the smoke apparatus going; also the carpenter for assisting gunners in loading. The whole of the crew while in action behaved splendidly, including the gunners.’ (Journal of Commerce, 8 October 1921 refers).

For their gallantry, the Master, Arthur Hilditch, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross ‘in recognition of zeal and devotion to duty shown in carrying on the trade of the country during the war’ (London Gazette 11 April 1919), as well as the Lloyd’s Silver Medal for Meritorious Service, and a gratuity of £50; the Chief Engineer, Hugh Owens, and the Second Officer, Thomas Jones, received an ‘expression of commendation for their services’ (London Gazette 11 April 1919), as well as the Lloyd’s Silver Medal for Meritorious Service; and the Carpenter, Thomas Kennedy, was awarded the Lloyd’s Silver Medal for Meritorious Service and a couple of pipes.

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