A lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. On 9/10th May 1918 at Ostend, Belgium, he volunteered for rescue work and was following HMS Vindictive to the harbour when a shell burst on board killing an officer and a deck hand and badly wounding himself and the coxswain. In spite of his wounds, he brought his ship alongside Vindictive and took off two officers and 38 men, some of whom were killed or wounded while embarking. He retained consciousness long enough to back his vessel away from the piers and towards the open sea before collapsing exhausted from his wounds.
Awarded the VC for his heroism on 9-10 May 1918, age 32, while serving in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. "Although severely wounded he remained on the bridge of Motor Launch 254 navigating into Ostend harbour and with indomitable courage rescued most of the crew of the Vindictive. (Ostend, Belgium)". Freemason at: №3923, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Lodge.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
