AWARDS & RECOMMENDATIONS

[dennis a feary]

Hello ALL, I will be putting in here Awards & Recommendations for RN, RNR, RNVR, RM, RNAS, RFC - all for WW1 - Officers only. You are of course welcome to put in any awards you may have. Here is one of many. If anyone has a Naval WW1 award they wish please shout.

LEIR Ernest W N/E Lt.Cdr. RN 78A001 & 002 S/M E.4
Commodore Keyes & Rear Admiral A.H. Christian 01.01.15 Gazetted
Heligoland Bight Action 28.08.14 Promoted Commander 21.10.14
He witnessed the sinking of the German Torpedo Boat Destroyer "V.187", through his periscope, and observing a Cruiser of the Stettin Class close and open fire on the British Destroyers which had lowered their boats to pick up the survivors, he proceeded to attack the Cruiser, but she altered course before he could get within range. After covering the retirement of our Destroyers, which had had to abandon their boats, he returned to the latter, and embarked a Lieutenant and nine men of "Defender" who had been left behind. Lt.Commander Leir's action in remaining on the surface, in the vicinity of the enemy, and in a visibility which would have placed his vessel within easy gunrange of an enemy appearing out of the mist was altogether admirable. This enterprising and gallant officer took part in the reconnaissance which supplied the information on which these operations were based. Commodore Keyes. His coolness and resource in rescuing the crews of the "Goshawk's" and "Defender's" boats at a critical time of the action were admirable.
Rear Admiral Christian.

Thats a `flavour' of what is to come. Hope it may be of some interest.

Sadsac

[astraltrader]

Thanks for your efforts in putting this together Dennis I am sure it will prove to be of great interest.

[qprdave]

Good start, Dennis. Keep it up.

Could prove to be a popular thread

[dennis a feary]

Terry, QPRDave (got it right)
Thanks for your kind remarks. Here are two more awards to Ernest Leir - apparently he was a rabid Kleptomaniac - he was, at one time observed pinching his office carpet at Chatham where he was Commander (something).
He walked out with the carpet, large & heavy over his shoulder - don't think that is in his OBIT !!
Would be interested to see any Obit to Leir !

LEIR Ernest W N/E Cdr. RN 82O020 Maidstone
Commodore (S) 25.10.16 Gazetted
In Submarines DSO
Has made 17 cruises in enemy waters, during which he has repeatedly been in action with Zepplins, seaplanes and anti-submarine craft; one of the latter he sank.

LEIR Ernest W N/E Lt.Cdr. RN 82O002 S/M E.4
Commodore Keyes 23.10.14 Gazetted
In Submarine Operations August, September, October 1914
Promoted Commander 21.10.14
He was in contact with the enemy during the operations off the coast when he maintained his station in a creditable manner during the exceptionally heavy westerly gales which prevailed between the 14th and 21st September. Service in the Heligoland Bight is keenly sought after by the Commanding Officers of the Eight Submarine Flotilla, and they have all shewn daring and enterprise in the execution of their duties.

[berry]

g'day - Enjoyed that info very much,looking forward to more similar.
regards
Sid

[dennis a feary]

Hello Sid, thanks for that, nice to know that such is of interest. Here are awards to Roger Keyes - do not know if he has an Obit in OBIT Thread !!

KEYES Roger J.B CB., CMG., MVO., DSO Vice Admiral RN 79D238
Dover Patrol N/E 26.04.18 Gazetted
Dover Patrol KCB
In recognition of the distinguished service performed by him as Officer in Command of the operations against Zeebrugge and Ostend on the 22 - 23rd, April, 1918.

KEYES Roger CB., MVO., ADC Captain RN 78A006a
Commodore (S) N/E 19.02.15 Gazetted
Cuxhaven Raid 25.12.14 Mentioned in Despatches
Their Lordships' appreciation has been conveyed to this officer for his share in the combined operations which resulted in this successful reconnaissance.

KEYES Roger J.B CB., MVO Captain RN 78A001 Lurcher
Rear Admiral A.H. Christian 01.01.15 Gazetted
Heligoland Bight Action 28.08.14 N/E
Had, on the 27th August, escorted some submarines into positions alloted to them in the immediate vicinity of the enemy's coast. On the morning of the 28th, in company with "Firedrake", he searched the area to the southward of the Battle Cruisers for the enemy's submarines, and subsequently, having been detached, was present at the sinking of the German Cruiser "Mainz", when he gallantly proceeded alongside her, and rescued 220 of her crew, many of whom were wounded.

`When the battles over, sailors are just sailors' !!!
To the recue of a gallant enemy. Not shown here, but it should be said that had MAINZ in a sinking condition blown up then the men of LURCHER may have joined some of the crew of MAINZ !!

Sadsac

[dennis a feary]

Yet more Gongs for Keyes ;

KEYES Roger J.B N/E Commodore RN 80E037 N/E
Vice Admiral Eastern Mediterranean 01.01.16 & 16.08.15 Gazetted Landing at Gallipoli Peninsula 25-26.04.15 CB & M in D
As Chief of Staff of Vice Admiral he established a most excellent working agreement between the two services.

KEYES Roger B N/E Commodore RN 80E014 N/E
Vice Admiral Carden 02.05.19 Gazetted
Dardanelles Operations prior to 25.04.15 Mentioned in Despatches
Vice Admiral Carden brings to notice the splendid work done by him and the great assistance rendered and with the valuable service.
See Despatch of 17.03.15.

KEYES Roger J.B CB., CMG., MVO., DSO Vice Admiral RN 79D239
Vice Admiral Commanding Dover Patrol D.C.N.S N/E N/E
Dover Patrol - Bombardment of Belgian Coast & Aux. Ops 27.09-19.10.18D.C.N.S. minuted paper "The operations appear to have been admirably conceived by the Vice Admiral and the Commodore and ably executed."

[dennis a feary]

Last one I have for Roger Keyes ;

KEYES Roger John B CB., CMG., MVO., ADC
Captain RN 80E062 Lord Nelson
Vice Admiral Commanding Eastern Mediterranean Squadron
14.03.16 & 13.06.16 Gazetted
Gallipoli Peninsula Evacuation Dec. 1915 - Jan 1916
Mentioned in Despatches & DSO
He has been principally responsible for the staff work, and adjusting the general scheme for the evacuation of the peninsula, and it is impossible to give him too high a praise for the extraordinary results that were achieved in this most difficult operation.

[dennis a feary]

Here an award to Captain Phillpotts at Jutland ;

PHILLPOTTS Edward M N/E Captain RN 78A026
Warspite C-in-C Grand Fleet 15.09.16 Gazetted
Battle of Jutland 31.05.16 CB
At a critical time, when the Fifth Battle Squadron was turning to form astern of the Battle Fleet, under a heavy fire, "Warspite", owing to a breakdown in her steering gear, turned towards the enemy, and got into a very dangerous position. She was splendidly handled however, and got away to the Northward clear of the enemy's fire. Also, when nearing the Firth of Forth, much damaged, she was attacked by three submarines, and was handled in such a manner as to get her safely into port.
Captain Phillpotts is the Senior Captain in the ships of the Fifth Battle Squadron which were engaged, and I strongly recommend him for an honour of his great services.

Sadsac

[dennis a feary]

Here is what I consider to be an `interesting' award, does put `bones' on his gong ;

HUNN John A N/E Lt. RNVR 87X030
W/T Officer on Staff of Commodore (S)
Commodore (S) 01.04.19 Gazetted
Post War - Depot Ships Submarine Service. OBE(M)
This officer replaced a Lieutenant (T), on my staff (who was lost in a submarine.) due to shortage of these officers. He has filled what was, for an R.N.V.R. Officer, a difficult position with conspicuous tact and ability.
The wireless telegraphy of submarines on lookout patrols became a most important factor in the later part of the war. This officer showed untiring energy in continually touring the flotillas, and going out in submarines to supervise their wireless and Hydrophone equipment, and equipping them with the rapid developments as they took place. His tact in dealing with regular Royal Navy Officers, and ratings completed the success which he made of his work in the war.

[dennis a feary]

here is should possibly be in VC Thread - but !!

MALLESON Wilfred St. N/E MiD RN 80E028 N/E
Vice Admiral Commanding Eastern Mediterranean Squadron
16.08.15 Gazetted
Landing at Gallipoli Peninsula 25-26.04.15 VC
Was one of the officers in the "River Clyde", and observing that the Lighters which were to form the bridge to shore had broken adrift, he attempted, under murderous fire, to get them into position. He suffered severely from cold and immersion, and after partially recovering again returned to the work. He also sustained three abrasions caused by bullets, and after treatment assisted to save some wounded men lying in shallow water near the beach. He kept on until obliged to stop through sheer physical exhaustion.
Assisted Commander Unwin, and after Midshipman Drewry had failed from exhaustion to get a line from lighter to lighter he swam with it himself and was succeeded. The line subsequently broke, and he afterwards made two further but unssuccessful attempts at his self-imposed task.

[dennis a feary]

Here is award of DSO awarded to Adm. MUNDY Godfrey Harry Brydges, Later, so HARLEY informs me was `Adm North Convoys' ;

MUNDY Godfrey H.B CB., MVO Vice Admiral RN 82N061
In charge of Mercantile Convoys A.C.N.S 01.01.19 Gazetted
Organise the Anti-Submarine Campaign & Trade Defence in the war DSO
Has been employed in charge of Mercantile Convoys which duties he has carried out with much ability. He has a most excellent record whilst so employed having brought home 6 convoys with a total of 170 ships, without loss. Escort duty with large Mercantile Convoys is, under the most favourable conditions, very anxious and responsible work, but in the case of these particular officers the strain and anxiety is much increased by the fact that they exercise their command from what is to all intents and purposes a merchant ship, and are entirely without the assistance and resources that they could depend on in a Man-0-War. The actual life on board a Merchant Ship of this class involves hardships for officers of their age, and when on reaching this country they come to the Admiralty to report to me the signs of physical strain are very apparent.

Sadsac

[dennis a feary]

Here's an award which is also worth an inclusion for its story alone.
Not `only' a Pen-pusher it seems !!

LEIGHTON John Albert DSO Cdr. RNR 87X414 & 415 & 416
Naval Transport Service D of T & S 04.07.19 N/E
Post War CBE(M)
During the summer of 1916, Commander Leighton assisted the British Naval Attache at Portugal in dealing with British requisitioned steamers, which were placed at the disposal of the Russian Government. In the Spring of 1918, he was instrumental in seizing the S.S. "Fountains Abbey", from the Finnish Red Guards, at Helsingfors, and successfully extricated her through the ice to Sweden with a number of refugees on board. For these services he was awarded the D.S.O.
In June, 1918, he again proceeded to the Baltic, with a view to reaching Petrograd to endeavour to release certain Russian Ships from Bolshevick hands and preventing them passing to Germany. Being unable to proceed beyond Stockholm by the usual routes, he unsuccessfully attempted to pass the German cordon in a small sailing boat. Consequently of this he remained in Stockholm where he acted as Commercial Attache at the British Legation, and also carried out Ministry of Shipping business connected with Swedish Shipping. He was highly spoken of by the the British Ambassador who was reluctant to part with his services.
Since the Armistice he has served on Allied Sub-Commissions dealing with British ships interned in Germany and the handing over of the German Merchant Fleet.
His knowledge and experience as a Marine Superintendent have been invaluable and it was largely due to his tact and ability that the German Authorities were prevailed upon to prepare their ships for sea, 100 vessels being despatched with ten days of the instructions being received from Berlin. Commander Leighton was summoned to attend the Brussels Conference, as one of the British Representatives and is at present serving on the permanent Commission set up at Rotterdam to deal with matters following upon that Conference.

Sadsac