^NOTES

^{AWARD ABBREVIATIONS}

^{OTHER ABBREVIATIONS}

¹ Killed on duty

² Award not for RMS or BD

³ Reason for award unknown

VC: Victoria Cross
GC: George Cross
CBE: Commander of the Order of the British Empire
DSO: Distinguished Service Order
OBE: Officer of the Order of the British Empire
MBE: Member of the Order of the British Empire

DSC: Distinguished Service Cross

MC: Military Cross

CGM: Conspicuous Gallantry Medal

GM: George Medal
DSM: Distinguished Service Medal

BEM: British Empire Medal (now superseded by MBE)

MID: Mention in Despatches
Commend'n: King's Commendation for Brave Conduct

B&MD: Bomb & Mine Disposal
BD: Bomb Disposal
BSO: Bomb Safety Officer
LCOCU: Landing Craft Obstacle Clearance Unit
RMS: Rendering Mines Safe

S

SAGAR
Percy Henry

R/JX210511

Rigger's Mate

LCOCU No. 1

6 Nov 45

DSM

LCOCUs - DSM awarded for bravery, skill and great devotion to duty in the reconnaissance and destruction of unknown obstacles and mines, and in the rescue of survivors whose craft had been destroyed in a minefield, during the landings in the Baie de Cavallaire in the South of France, June-August 1945, and for similar good services in the landings in Normandy.

SALTER
Harold Roland

P/J22435

CPO

HMS Vernon

11 Mar 41

GM

RMS - GM awarded for gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty. Mine disposal UK 1940.

SAULL
Ronald Henry

Lt RNVR

HMS Odyssey (Ilfracombe) for NP 1502 then NP 1747

3 Oct 44
15 May 45

Commend'n
GM

B&MD & Port Clearance - Commendation awarded for bravery and devotion to duty in helping to salvage a cargo of bombs after an air attack. (SS Malakand at Huskisson Dock, Liverpool 2 May 41).

GM awarded for exceptional gallantry, skill and great devotion to duty, often in close proximity to the enemy, during mine-searching and clearance operations in the ports of Normandy and the Low Countries. Helped salvage Lk Sta Ouistreham Aug 44.

SAUNDERS
Raphael

Lt RNVR

HMS Vernon

?
20 Dec 40

DSO²
MID

RMS - DSO awarded for Zeebrugge raid in WW I.

MID awarded for courage, coolness and devotion to duty. Assisted Lt Cdr Ryan in early part of war.

SAYER
Guy Bourchier, Sir

A/Capt RN

Rear Admiral

Vice Admiral

HMS Cleveland (Hunt Class destroyer)

Vice Controller & DME

FO Commanding Reserve Fleet

2 Jun 43

3 Jan 56

1 Jan 59

DSC²

CB²

KBE²

RMS - Commander M (Mining) at HMS Vernon early in the war before being relieved by Thistleton-Smith.

SCULLY
Patrick

P/JX252848

AB

‘P’ Party 1574

15 May 45

MID

Port Clearance - MID awarded for bravery and skill in mine-clearing operations in enemy-held ports during the invasion of Normandy and the Low Countries.

SETCHELL
Ronald Geoffrey

D/LX29808

Steward

12th SM Flotilla

1 May 45

BEM

Diving - BEM awarded for outstanding service in diving operations and as tenders to the divers during the invasion of the South of France.

SHANE
David Thomas Patrick

P/JX700346

AB

‘P’ Party 1571

30 Apr 46

MID

Port Clearance - MID awarded for good services in Mine Clearance and Mine Disposal Operations in NW Europe immediately before the close of the war with Germany and in the months which followed. Edited 'Noseclip News' while at Bremen. Later worked in UK coastal ports then posted to Haifa and Malta..

SHELDON¹
Lord Joseph Henry Herbert

Commissioned Boatswain

14 Jan 41
19 Aug 41

GM
MID

B&MD - GM awarded for gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty. Bomb disposal Malta 7 Sep 40.

Assisted Lt Rowlands with B&MD at Malta and recommended for bar to GM but was killed and awarded MID instead as GM could not be awarded posthumously until 1977.

SHIRLEY
Gerald Ferrens

Lt (Sp) RNVR

No. 2 B&MD Unit
HMS Fabius (Taranto)

24 Jul 45
7 Sep 45

MID
MBE

B&MD - MID awarded for fire fighting after air raid on ammo dump in Med.

Appointed MBE for for bravery and undaunted devotion to duty in charge of a mine and bomb disposal unit in mine clearance operations in Porto Corsini and Ravenna Harbours and the Canal Candiano.

SIMMONS
Harry

C/JX549535

AB

AB

‘P’ Party 1572

‘P’ Party 1572

15 May 45
30 Apr 46

MID
MID

Port Clearance - First MID awarded for bravery and skill in mine-clearing operations in enemy-held ports during the invasion of Normandy and the Low Countries.

Second MID awarded for good services in Mine Clearance and Mine Disposal Operations in NW Europe immediately before the close of the war with Germany and in the months which followed.

SMALES
James Stanley

Gunner (T)

Gunner(T)

HMS Proserpine (Scapa Flow)
HMS Menestheus (Loch Alsh)

8 Jul 41
1 Jan 43

GM
DSC

RMS - Awarded GM for gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty. Mine disposal Orkney to Mar 41.

DSC awarded New Year Honours 1943.

SMITH
Harry

D/JX368318

AB

HMS Fabius (Taranto)

28 Nov 44

CGM

Chariot Diver - CGM awarded for great gallantry.  Teamed with Causer as the crew of a 'Human Torpedo' which penetrated the heavily defended harbour of Spezia on the night of 21 Jun 44 and sank the Italian Cruiser Bolzano. Captured while trying to escape across the River Arno.

SMITH
Herbert George

P/JX125648

AB

HMS Vernon?

28 Apr 42

BEM

RMS - BEM awarded for gallantry and devotion to duty. Mine disposal Mar to May 41.

SMITH
Nelson Bernard Edward

Lt RNVR

HMS Lynx (Dover)

8 Jul 41

GM

RMS - Awarded GM for gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty. Mine disposal to Mar 41. Rendered safe 8 bombs in London during short period including one against archway of a Thames bridge.

SMITH
Norman Alexander

C/JX201335

A/LS

ML 542

1 May 45

BEM

Diving - BEM awarded for outstanding service in diving operations and as tenders to the divers during the invasion of the South of France.

SMITH
Norman Luckhurst

C/JX147942

AB
LS

Unknown
HMS Nile (Alexandria)

14 Jan 41
17 Nov 42

BEM
Bar to BEM

RMS  - BEM awarded for gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty.

Bar to BEM awarded for bravery and devotion to duty. Mine disposal 17 Jun 41.

SMITH
Raymond Harold

P/SSX21602

A/LS

HMS Vernon

16 Jan 45

MID

Port Clearance - MID awarded for gallantry and distinguished services in the work of mine-clearance in the face of the enemy. Seine Bay and Cherbourg 1944.

SMITH
Ronald James

Lt RNVR

HMS Vernon

9 Jun 42

GM

RMS - GM awarded for gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty. Mine disposal UK Mar 41.

SMITH
Walter Stanley

C/JX218306

PO

HMS Savage (S Class destroyer)

7 Mar 44

DSM²

Chariot Diver - DSM awarded for sinking of Scharnhorst.

Involved in Phuket attack. Petty Officer Smith and Steward A. Brown found that they were unable to attach their charge to the hull of the Volpi, due to the deep draught and lack of space underneath the hull and then the barnacle-encrusted hull itself. Brown, therefore, had to place the charge inside the ship's engine-room, a job which took twenty extra minutes. Both crews returned to the Trenchant and were able to watch as their targets exploded.

SOLDER
Terrence Charles

P/JX515657

LS

‘P’ Party 1573

15 May 45

BEM

Port Clearance - BEM awarded for gallantry and skill in mine-searching and clearing operations in the ports of Normandy and of the Low Countries following the invasion of France.

SOUTHWELL¹
Bennett

P/JX204557

Ord Seaman

HMS Vernon

23 Jan 41

GC

RMS - GC awarded posthumously for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty.  Mine disposal Hoxton 17 Oct 40. Killed while assisting Sub Lt J. Easton deal with GC mine that had penetrated house in East End of London and was suspended from its parachute.  Clock started when fuze removal tool was applied and Ord Sea Southwell killed by blast having run across road to take shelter. 

SPEIRS
Donald William

Lt Cdr RNR

Mining Department
HMS Vernon

27 Dec 40

GM

RMS - GM awarded for gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty. Engaged in mine disposal London Sep 40.

SPRIGGS
Edward George

C/J47033

CPO

CPO

HMS Watchful (Great Yarmouth)

24 Apr 40
20 Oct 42

DSM
Commend'n

RMS - DSM awarded for courage and skill in securing and stripping live enemy mines without regard for his own safety.

Commendation awarded for coolness and devotion to duty. Mine disposal Nore Dec 41 to Feb 42.

With Wilson as assistant to Edwards in 1940. 

STANLEY
John Gordon Hugh

Sub Lt (Sp) RNVR

HMS Lynx (Dover)

20 Dec 40

MID

BD - MID awarded for courage, coolness and devotion to duty.

STANWAY
Geoffrey

D/JX368322

AB

12th SM Flotilla

1 May 45

BEM

Diving - BEM awarded for outstanding service in diving operations and as tenders to the divers during the invasion of the South of France.

STEADMAN
Trevor Edward

P/JX523100

AB

‘P’ Party 1573

15 May 45

MID

Port Clearance - MID awarded for bravery and skill in mine-clearing operations in enemy-held ports during the invasion of Normandy and the Low Countries.

STEELE
George Stredwick

P/J93462

LS

‘P’ Party 1574

15 May 45

BEM

Port Clearance - BEM awarded for gallantry and skill in mine-searching and clearing operations in the ports of Normandy and of the Low Countries following the invasion of France.

STEELE
James Verdon

Lt RNVR

HMS Vernon

23 Oct 45

GM

B&MD - See below.

When a "Biber" Midget Submarine was being brought into Dover on January 8th, 1945 the tow-line parted and it sank making location very difficult.  As it was the first of its type to be recovered instructions had been given that it had to be raised at all costs and Lieutenant Steele showed great courage and initiative in carrying out this extremely hazardous operation.  When the submarine had at last been located and brought into shallow water, it was found to have one torpedo on board which was in the dangerous position and not set to safe.  As any small slip or jolt to the submarine might have released the torpedo and caused it to fire, Lieutenant Steele took very great precaution in lifting it.  Moreover the pistol was found to be of a new type and rendering it safe was a matter of some guesswork and consequently, very dangerous.  The weather during the whole of the operation was very rough, and frequent snow-storms militated against the gentle handling of the torpedo, making the task even more hazardous.

Lieutenant Steele also found and removed the submarine's scuttling charges which were in a particularly awkward position in the partly- flooded submarine.  Any false move on his part in the bad light would have resulted in an explosion and his own destruction, but by his courage and devotion to duty the whole of this new type of midget submarine was captured intact as well as the latest type of torpedo pistol.

Lieutenant Steele also took part in the recovery of a new type of torpedo from a Seehunde Midget Submarine stranded oft Yarmouth on 7th February, 1945.  This was also a very delicate and dangerous operation carried out under extremely difficult conditions in bad weather, and calling for great endurance and devotion to duty from this Officer and his helpers.  The submarine went aground on the Scroby sands and when it was possible to land there Lieutenant Steele found that it was largely buried in liquid sand and very difficult to salvage. With the aid of a bulldozer and tractor and sheer determination, sufficient of the submarine was uncovered to make recovery of the torpedo possible.  The weather and condition of the sand made it necessary to work as quickly as possible, and Lieutenant Steele and his party worked for thirty hours at a stretch in order to complete the operation successfully.

The recovery of these new types of enemy weapons was of the greatest use in deciding on appropriate counter measures, which were very necessary at that time, as the midget submarine was a menace to coastal and cross-channel shipping.

STEVENS
Henry Leslie Harvey

A/Lt RNVR

HM Chariots

24 Oct 44

MID

Chariot Diver - MID awarded for escaping from enemy hands.  Participated in Operation Welcome attack on Tripoli in January 1943 and sank merchantman Guilio.

STEVENS
John Samuel

P/JX324686

AB

‘P’ Party 1574

15 May 45

MID

Port Clearance - MID awarded for bravery and skill in mine-clearing operations in enemy-held ports during the invasion of Normandy and the Low Countries.

STEWART
Alan Chambers

Lt RNVR

HMS Vernon

20 Dec 40

MID

RMS - MID awarded for courage, coolness and devotion to duty.

STORER
Arthur

Sub Lt RNVR

‘P’ Party 1573

15 May 45

MID

Port Clearance - MID awarded for bravery and skill in mine-clearing operations in enemy-held ports during the invasion of Normandy and the Low Countries.

STUBBS
Gilbert Ernest

Lt RNVR (Later Lt Cdr)

HMS Vernon

27 Jun 41
9 Jun 42

GM
Commend'n

RMS - GM awarded for gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty. Rendered safe mine in outside lavatory in Old Nichol Street, Bethnal Green, London. Had to enter via hole in roof.

Commendation awarded for mine disposal.

SUTHERLAND¹
Reginald Bruce

Sub Lt RNVR

HMS Vernon

?

MID

RMS.  Killed by mine in Falmouth harbour on 6 Mar 1941 while diving from boat towed by Vernon's 'The Mouse', a small motor launch specially fitted with Hotchkiss propulsion (no propeller).  Also see TAWN and WHARTON.  Lt J. F. NICHOLSON RNVR, PO BENHAM plus one other manning 'The Mouse' survived.

SWARBRICK
John Beet

P/JX223035

AB

‘P’ Party 1573

15 May 45

BEM

Port Clearance - BEM awarded for gallantry and skill in mine-searching and clearing operations in the ports of Normandy and of the Low Countries following the invasion of France.

SYME
Hugh Randall

Lt RANVR

HMS Vernon

27 Jun 41
9 Jun 42
3 Aug 43

GM
Bar to GM
GC

RMS - See below.

GM awarded for mine disposal Manchester Dec 40.  Mine lodged under eight feet of heavy clay near an anti-aircraft battery and water reservoir. Syme dug down to the mine to find that the fuze was on the opposite side. He then dug a tunnel completely around the mine and defused it in atrocious conditions, often soaked in seeping ice-cold water. He was forced to withdraw the actual fuze by hand, an extremely risky procedure which is often done from a distance using cords. The information Syme gained on the mine was invaluable to other clearance officers.

Bar to GM awarded for disposal of 10 mines including one that exploded when turned at Primrose Hill, St John's Wood, London 20 Apr 41.

GC awarded for the recovery of the first and only Type T mine. Much importance was attached to his work on this mine when he located and recovered it intact, together with its sinker in November 1942. On that occasion, after removing the mine from the drifter Noontide, he had to insulate the detonator wires without earthing the weapon. This resulted in many painful shocks for him and he also had to operate up to his knees in mud and, at the vital stage, was hanging head downwards in a hole in the mud, so there was no chance of escape if the mine exploded. The information gained from this mine when it was dismantled was invaluable. Also disposed of 19 mines including 5 acoustic, 8 magnetic and 2 acoustic magnetic 19 May 41 to 25 Dec 42.

SYRETT
Charles Edward

C/J9062

CPO

Unknown

24 Apr 40

DSM

RMS - DSM awarded for courage and skill in securing and stripping live enemy mines without regard for his own safety.