Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War B.E.M. awarded to Chief Petty Officer Telegraphist G. W. Starkiss, Royal Navy, H.M.S. Cossack, who was shortly afterwards mentioned in despatches for the Bismarck action in May 1941, and was killed in action when Cossack was torpedoed by U-563 on 23 October 1941

British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (C.P.O. Tel. George William Starkiss, P/J.53278. R.N.) mounted on original investiture brooch with small M.I.D. oak leaf on ribbon, extremely fine £300-£400

B.E.M. (Military) London Gazette 1 July 1941 (Birthday Honours List).

M.I.D. London Gazette 14 October 1941: ‘For mastery, determination and skill in action against the German Battleship Bismarck:- Chief Petty Officer Telegraphist George William Starkiss, H.M.S. Cossack.’ One of four ratings of H.M.S. Cossack mentioned for the Bismarck action, the recommendation stating, ‘For exceptional efficiency in the execution of their Duties under heavy fire.’

George William Starkiss, C.P.O. Telegraphist, Royal Navy, was killed in action when H.M.S. Cossack was torpedoed by U-563 on 23 October 1941, and is commemorated by name on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

On 26 May 1941, the Cossack leading the 4th Destroyer Flotilla was ordered to join with the Home Fleet battleships searching for the Bismarck. The Fleet's own Destroyers were running short of fuel and needed to be relieved as a matter of urgent priority. That night the Polish destroyer Piorum sighted the Bismarck and at 2200 hrs Admiral Vian ordered his Destroyer flotilla into the attack. Despite being seriously outgunned Cossack managed to launch three torpedoes from 6,000 yards at 0140 hrs, two hits on the mighty German battleship being recorded. The other Destroyers made similar attacks and kept the Bismarck engaged until the Royal Navy battleships arrived at dawn to finally finish off the job.

Cossack and her sisters next joined Force H at Gibraltar, seeing much activity in defending convoys to Malta from U-boat and E-boat attack, as well as escorting the capital ships Ark Royal, Nelson and Renown.

Sadly, on 23 October 1941, Cossack received a hit from a torpedo fired by the U-563 which killed Captain Berthon and 158 officers and men, with another 29 injured. Remarkably Cossack did not sink immediately and soon the fires went out. Seeing that Cossack was still very buoyant, she was reboarded , the engine started and, going astern, tried to make the long voyage back to Gibraltar. For a night and a day they kept the Cossack moving, but ultimately all was in vain, and the gallant little Cossack finally slipped beneath the waves on the following day.