Chief Petty Officer (Coxswain), Royal Australian Navy; HMAS Voyager (D04)
Born: 16 September 1920, Llangollen, Denbighshire, Wales
Died: 10 February 1964, off the coast of New South Wales, Australia
Citation: In recognition of his outstanding gallantry and devotion to duty in saving life at sea when H.M.A.S. Voyager was sunk after collision on 10th February 1964, for maintaining the morale of junior ratings in great adversity, for organising the escape of as many as possible, and for supporting the spirits of those who could not escape and encouraging them to meet death alongside himself with dignity and honour. He upheld the highest traditions of service at sea and of his rating of Chief Petty Officer (Coxswain).[London Gazette issue 43604 dated 19 Mar 1965, published 19 Mar 1965.]
Note: Voyager, a Daring-class destroyer, was rammed by the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne (R21) off Jervis Bay when the destroyer passed in front of the carrier during post-refit sea trials. Voyager was cut in two by the collision and sank; 81 (14 officers and 67 sailors) of the 314 men aboard were lost.
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