Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War O.B.E. group of five awarded to Captain J. H. George, Mercantile Marine, who was awarded the O.B.E. for his services when his vessel, the S.S. Devis, was attacked in 1941, and was subsequently killed in action during a further attack on 21 November 1943

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge, silver-gilt; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, the campaign awards all later engraved ‘Capt. J. H. George O.B.E. R.N.’, with named Ministry of Transport condolence slip, extremely fine (5) £400-£500

Dix Noonan Webb, March 1997.

O.B.E. London Gazette 17 March 1942: Captain John Henry George, Master.
‘The ship served in Mediterranean convoys and in the Greek campaign. Although she was hit by a bomb, the Master, on his last voyage to Greece, brought his ship safely to port, and discharged his cargo. He showed high qualities of determination and seamanship.’

John Henry George was born in Fishguard, Cardiganshire, in 1882, and first went to sea in September 1900. During the Second World War he was Master of the M.V. Devis, owned by the Lamport Holt Shipping Line. He was awarded the O.B.E. for his services when his vessel was attacked by hostile aircraft on 2 April 1941, whilst transporting stores and troops, both British and Australian. The vessel, on passage from Alexandria, was hit by one of a stick of bombs on the rear well deck, killing 8 soldiers and wounding another 10, besides causing considerable damage to the ship itself. Captain George succeeded in bringing his damaged vessel to the port of Piraieus, where it was unfortunate enough to be berthed between two ammunition ships and near some trucks of TNT. These all exploded when hit during an enemy air raid, causing extensive damage to the ship. Captain George subsequently received personal congratulations from the Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean, Admiral A. B. Cunningham. The S.S. Devis eventually reached Alexandria and sailed to India for repairs.

In November 1943, Captain George was again Master of S.S. Devis, sailing in convoy to his home port of Liverpool, in November 1943. Ominously, he writes in the last entry of his journal on 17 November: ‘For three days now there has been a Jerry reconnaissance plane around having a look at us. Today he had a damn good look too. We could see him circling round the convoy taking tab of all. We haven’t seen a plane of ours for three days. Can’t understand where they are. They must know that we are being shadowed and one would think there would be some round now. There was a Sub in the vicinity too but luckily (touch wood) there has been no attack yet but I would not be a bit surprised if we don’t get an attack in one form or another later.’

The attack came four days later, on 21 November, when 25 long range He-177 bombers set out to attack the convoy. Twenty reached the target, three being shot down and another two driven off, but not before they had released 40 Hs-293 glider bombs, sinking the freighter Marsa and damaging the S.S. Devis, amongst whose casualties was Captain George, killed. He was subsequently buried at sea and is recorded by name in the Merchant Navy Roll of Honour.

Sold with a good quantity of original documentation including the recipient’s O.B.E. Bestowal Document; Continuous Certificate of Discharge for the period 1900-1918; personal journal for the period October to November 1943; official letters concerning award of the O.B.E.; numerous letters, telegrams, photographs, and damage reports; and other ephemera.