08 April 2007

Victoria Cross: A. C. C. Miers

ANTHONY CECIL CAPEL MIERS, DSO

Commander, Royal Navy; commanding HMS Torbay

Born: 11 November 1906, Birchwood, Inverness, Scotland

Citation: For valour in command of HM Submarine Torbay in a daring and successful raid on shipping in a defended enemy harbour [at Corfu, Greece], planned with full knowledge of the great hazards to be expected during seventeen hours in waters closely patrolled by the enemy. On arriving in the harbour he had to charge his batteries lying on the surface in full moonlight, under the guns of the enemy. As he could not see his target he waited several hours and attacked in full daylight in a glassy calm. When he had fired his torpedoes he was heavily counter-attacked and had to withdraw through a long channel with anti-submarine craft all round and continuous air patrols overhead.

(London Gazette Issue 35622 dated 7 Jul 1942, published 3 Jul 1942.)


Note: Lieutenant (E) Hugh A Kidd DSC, RN, was made a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, and Lieutenant Paul C Chapman DSC, RN, was awarded a bar to his Distinguished Service Cross. Additionally, eight crewmembers received the Distinguished Service Medal (second award, for two of them), and twelve received a Mention in Despatches.

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