Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War B.E.M. and Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea group of six awarded to Able Seaman William John Dryden, Merchant Navy, for services aboard the M.V. Regent Lion, 15 September 1940

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (William John Dryden); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, clasp, France and Germany; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea, silver (Able Seaman W. J. Dryden, M.V. “Regent Lion”, 15th September 1940) mounted for wear, slight edge bruising, good very fine and better (6) £1400-1800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Life Saving Awards formed by The Late W.H. Fevyer.

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Ref. Spink Exhibition 1985, No. 77.

B.E.M. London Gazette 7 January 1941. ‘A bomb which struck the vessel started a fire among shells and cordite. It was vital to put out the fire as soon as possible and the Chief Engineer and the Chief Officer distinguished themselves by the resolution and ready resource with which they rallied the crew and seconded the good leadership of the Captain.

With great courage Able Seaman W. J. Dryden put out the flames and threw ammunition overboard. Able Seaman J. Conroy showed a most commendable devotion to duty although wounded by shell splinters he fought the fire until he was unable to walk’

Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea Lloyd’s List and Shipping Gazette 18 March 1941. ‘William John Dryden, Able Seaman, Regent Lion’ ‘The ship, carrying a large cargo of petrol, was attacked while in convoy by a Heinkel. When within 100 ft. of the ship, the enemy aircraft dropped a bomb which hit the gun, killed the gunlayer and started a fire among the shells and cordite. Able Seaman W. J. Dryden, with great courage, put out the flames and threw the ammunition overboard’.

The M.V. Regent Lion, 9,551 tons, was a British tanker of C. T. Bowring & Co. She was bombed and straffed by enemy aircraft in the North Channel on 15 September 1940. For their services in the attack, Chief Officer Stephens and Chief Engineer Burgess were each awarded the O.B.E.; Able Seaman Dryden was awarded the B.E.M. and Able Seaman Conroy received the King’s Commendation.