A fine posthumous King’s Commendation, Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea group of seven awarded to Purser R. Y. Taylor, Merchant Navy, who displayed ‘magnificent bravery’ in assisting the wounded aboard his torpedoed and sinking ship, the S.S. “Clan MacArthur”, in August 1943

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea (Purser R. Y. Taylor, S.S. “Clan MacArthur”, 12th August 1943); King’s Commendation for Brave Conduct, oval plastic badge, on a blue riband, the Lloyd’s award with some edge bruising, otherwise good very fine and better (7)
£2000-2200

Believed to be the only Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea awarded to a Purser.

King’s Commendation London Gazette 22 February 1944.

LLoyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea Lloyd’s List and Shipping Gazette 7 November 1944:

‘The ship, sailing independently, was torpedoed and began to sink by the stern. When she was struck again there were several casualties, and as the last of the crew were leaving the ship. Abandonment was made hazardous and difficult, as three of the boats were smashed. Chief Engineer Officer Currie, Chief Refrigerating Engineer Officer Ruthven, Dr. Ungr, Third Officer Mair and Purser Taylor showed magnificent bravery. Although they could have got away in the boats, they stayed on board and helped rescue a number of injured men who were trapped in the wrecked forecastle. The Chief Refrigerating Officer, and the Third Officer jumped overboard as the ship sank and were picked up, but the Chief Engineer Officer, Dr. Ungr and the Purser sacrificed their lives while helping their comrades. Chief Radio Officer Cole was injured and dazed by the explosion, but he succeeded in sending out a distress message on the emergency set and would not leave the wrecked wireless room until ordered to do so by the Master. The survivors were picked up the following day, and their prompt rescue was undoubtedly due to his outstanding courage, determination and devotion to duty.’

The fate of the Clan MacArthur (Captain J. D. Matthews, O.B.E.), which occurred on the 11 August 1943, is also described in John Slader’s definitive history, The Fourth Service, Merchantmen at War 1939-45:

‘The twin-screw Clan MacArthur, the largest and fastest of the Clan Line fleet, was alone and zigzagging at 17 knots on passage to India when she was struck; two torpedoes immediately disabled the 10,528-ton merchantman. Lights were extinguished, both propellers were blown off by the explosions, and many of her Asian crew were trapped in their quarters. Struck by a third torpedo this fine ship, built in 1936, went under amidst a terrifying noise of crushing bulkheads and steam. From a complement of 151, ninety-nine survivors were rescued the next day by a French sloop.’

The same source also confirms that the successful German submarine was the U-181, commanded by Kapitain Wolfgang Luth, one of the most celebrated and decorated enemy submariners of the War - and ultimately the holder of the Knight’s Cross with oak leaves, swords and diamonds.