Orders, Decorations and Medals

A posthumous Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea awarded to Private Kenneth Cavanaugh, East Yorkshire Regiment, for services aboard the M.V. Oud Beijerland, 27 March 1941

Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea, silver (Private Kenneth Cavanaugh, M.V. “Oud Beijerland”, 27th March 1941) in case of issue, extremely fine £1800-2200

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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King’s Commendation for Brave Conduct London Gazette 16 June 1941.

Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea Lloyd’s List and Shipping Gazette Not published.

Kenneth Cavanaugh, deceased, 4348443 Private, East Yorkshire Regiment, Gunner, M.V. Oud Beijerland. ‘The ship was attacked by enemy aircraft with cannon-shell. Much damage was done. A gunner who had opened fire immediately with his Lewis gun was badly wounded in two places. Although his gun position on the well-deck was unprotected, he continued firing with great gallantry. His action helped to save the vessel from total loss. The gunner afterwards died of wounds’.

The M.V. Oud Beijerland, 398 tons, was a Dutch coaster that was attacked by enemy aircraft on 27 March 1941. For his brave actions on that day, which resulted in his death, Private Cavanaugh, East Yorkshire Regiment was awarded a posthumous Commendation and Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea.