Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria. Including a superb collection of medals to the King’s German Legion, Police Medals from the Collection of John Tamplin and a small collection of medals to the Irish Guards

British Empire Medal (Military) G.VI.R., 1st issue (T./92585 Pte. George E. Lyle, R.A.S.C.) edge bruising, otherwise very fine £140-160

B.E.M. London Gazette 9 July 1943. The immediate recommendation states:

‘On 12 December 1942, the Turkish Oil Tanker “Basari” was seen to be on fire in Mersin harbour, about half a mile from the shore.

A harbour official arrived at a camp occupied by a Company of the Royal Engineers, with a message from the Valli of Mersin, requesting the assistance of the camp fire pump. Orders were given for the camp fire piquet and motor pump to turn out in a lorry. A number of men and accessories proceeded in the lorry with Captain Starr in charge. On their reaching the jetty they found the oil tanker burning fiercely and flames some 30 feet high above the deck. The Captain and crew had abandoned ship and as she was loaded with dieseline and kerosine and an explosion was feared. The chances of extinguishing the fire seemed to be remote but it was decided to reconnoitre more closely. The director of the port agreed, but disclaimed all responsibility. The launch containing Captain Starr and his party then moved off with the fire pump, accompanied by the Chief of the Mersin Fire Brigade and an interpreter.

The fire pump was brought into action at a range of about 200 yards. The tanker was burning from just forward of the bridge to the stern. The engine room, boiler room and bunker fuel tanks appeared to be the source of the fire which had spread to the decks, bridge, cabins and deck houses, which were all on fire. The range was too great for the jet to be fully effective, so the launch was brought alongside the tanker. Captain Starr and volunteers from his party took the hose on board and attacked the bridge superstructure from close range. A second launch with the director of the port then arrived with another British Officer. The latter was instructed to return to camp, turn out a second fire party, and bring another fire pump. The Captain of the tanker arrived and gave valuable information as to the location of the fuel tanks, one of which contained 250 tons of fuel and was in danger and expected to burst. After a while, all superstructure and between deck fires had been extinguished near the bulkhead, and the main fuel tank and cargo tanks were safe. All other fires had been beaten aft to the line of the engine room, which could now be attacked from above. The fire pump then failed through over-heating and a burst radiator, after having run continuously for over three hours all out. At the same time a tug arrived with the Mersin Fire Brigade on board. The second fire party also arrived and the crews and pumps were changed, and instructions were issued for the first crew to have their pump repaired and ready as soon as possible. Captain Starr and Sergeant Durkin were then attacking the engine room fire with the first hose from the Mersin Fire Brigade engine, which had been in action five minutes. The second fire pump was brought into action and this attacked the engine room from the starboard side and the small superstructure fire aft of the engine room. About this time the ship’s dynamo, which had been running continuously and was pumping oil into the engine room, was put out of action by a well-directed jet by Captain Starr, and after this the fire in the engine room was rapidly brought under control. Captain Starr, who had worked energetically and continuously, directing the hose, was unfortunately overcome by steam and fumes and fell through a hole in the deck and sprained his leg. After a short rest he continued to work the hose.

After all the fires had been extinguished the British party returned to the shore leaving members of the ship’s crew and the Mersin Fire Brigade in charge.

Throughout the operation, Captain Starr was outstanding, while Sergeant Durkin, R.E., Corporal Paris, R.A.S.C. and Private Lyle, R.A.S.C. also displayed great gallantry, determination and efficiency. Their work was very highly appreciated by the Turkish authorities.’

Captain L. T. Starr, M.B.E., R.E. was awarded the G.M. for his leadership and gallantry. Durkin and Paris were also awarded the B.E.M.