Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Second World War Malta convoy D.S.M., post-war B.E.M. group of eight awarded to Chief Petty Officer Stoker Mechanic W. Hill, Royal Navy, who was decorated for his services on the occasion of the loss of H.M.S. Fearless during “Operation Substance” in July 1941 - although seriously burnt, he continued to take charge of repair parties

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (D./KX. 78473 W. Hill, S.P.O., H.M.S. Fearless); British Empire Medal, (Military) G.VI.R., 2nd issue (C.P.O. Sto. Mech. William Hill, D.S.M., D./KX. 78473); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (KX. 78473 Ch. Sto., H.M.S. Drake), generally good very fine (8) £1400-1600

D.S.M. London Gazette 25 November 1941:

‘For courage and resolution in operations in Mediterranean waters.’

The original recommendation states:

‘Although seriously burnt when the ship was torpedoed, this rating showed great courage in continuing to take charge of the after supply and repair parties until that part of the ship had been evacuated.’

B.E.M. London Gazette 1 January 1949.

Of the loss of H.M.S. Fearless, A Dictionary of Disasters at Sea states:

‘The destroyer Fearless, Commander A. F. Pugsley, was one of a large escorting force of battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers and destroyers taking an important convoy through the Central Mediterranean in July 1941. On the 22nd the ships were sighted by Italian scouting aircraft and during the night attacks were made with indifferent success by high level and torpedo bombers. Fearless was the only ship among the large number present to suffer any vital damage. She was hit by a torpedo from one of the bombers and put out of action. It was not possible to take her in tow so her company was transferred to other ships and she was sunk by the British forces. Of her complement of 145, one officer and 24 ratings were killed.’

While in his official report, Commander Pugsley stated:

‘The two aircraft which attacked Fearless released their torpedoes from a height of 70 feet and at a range of about 1500 and 800 yards respectively. Avoiding action was taken and the first torpedo passed about 90 yards ahead. The torpedo from the second aircraft ran shallow. Course was shaped to comb the track but when abreast the stem on the port side, at about a distance of 30 feet, the torpedo broke surface, altered course to port and hit the ship ... ’