A fine Second World War B.E.M. awarded to Carpenter H. Rosa, Merchant Navy, who was decorated for his bravery when his ship was torpedoed in the North Atlantic in August 1942 - and for his subsequent deeds during 13 days at sea in an open boat

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Husan Rosa), good very fine £300-350

B.E.M. London Gazette 16 March 1943. The joint citation states:

‘The ship, sailing alone, was torpedoed and sank within four minutes. Despite the rapid sinking only three lives were lost. All the others on board, including 16 survivors of another vessel, got away in two boats, on four rafts and in a motor boat. The men on the rafts were picked up by the boats and all eventually reached safety.

The Chief Officer, who was in charge of one boat which made a voyage of 13 days, showed courage and resource in his control of operations and it was due to his excellent organisation and seamanship that the boat with its 25 occupants reached safety. He was ably assisted by Carpenter Rosa who righted one of the boats which had capsized in launching and who displayed initiative throughout.

The motor boat, containing 17 survivors, made a voyage of 28 days before being picked up. It was in charge of Second Officer Campbell who, despite the fact he had been torpedoed twice in three days, displayed courage, skill and leadership in handling the boat and in the care of its occupants during the voyage. He had previously been in charge of this boat when his own ship was sunk.’

Hunan Rosa was Ship’s Carpenter aboard the cargo liner S.S. Sylvia De Larrinaga, which vessel was torpedoed by the Italian submarine Giuliana on 14 August 1942; the Chief Officer and Second Officer were awarded M.B.Es.