Navy Cross

[Major D]

I have been researching the service of one Chief Bosun Bill Tucker who served on HMS Temeraire in WW1

After his death in the 1970's I was told that he had saved the life of a German seaman and had been awarded the Navy Cross as a result.

Would the Navy Cross be awarded for something of this nature?

[navalis]

? As far I know there is no British medal known as the 'Navy Cross' - this is an American gallantry award I think ...?

[Egypt]

And there was also a German Navy Cross - see immediately below
(in comparison, American Navy Cross displayed bottommost)

[jainso31]

The only cross awarded in the Royal Navy is the Distuished Service Cross
and this only to officers-I suppose, but this is highly unlikely;that US gov't
made an ad hoc award.There were private institutions which made awards for sea gallantry; but usually in the form of a medal rather than a cross.

jainso31

[Buffer]

Perhaps it was the German Navy who honoured him with their Navy cross in recognition of his valour in saving one of their own.

[Egypt]

Yes, but the German Navy Cross equates to a Naval General Service Medal and was not awarded for individual acts of bravery/lifesaving.

[alanbenn]

Germany also issued this medal, the German Merit Cross.

It was issued to both Military and civilian. It had 3 levels like the Iron Cross and was issued for actions in a non-combatant role.

So perhaps this is the medal he refers to.

Regards
Alan

[jainso31]

This solution is the best up to now alan,but the award of a medal by a combattant nation does seem odd-would you not agree.?

jainso31

[Egypt]

Yes, but the German Merit Cross was only instituted in October, 1939 - so it was not awarded to anyone during the Great War.

[jainso31]

Well Egypt that puts paid to that theory-truth to tell, I too did not know when the German Merit Cross was instituted.

jainso31