Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘1941’ B.E.M. awarded to Chief Engineman W. Mussell, for his repeated bravery under enemy aircraft attack whilst serving with the Fishing Fleet vessel S.T. Onward

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (William Mussell) minor edge bruising, therefore very fine £160-£200

B.E.M. London Gazette 16 December 1941 (Chief Engineman, S.T. Onward, Fishing Fleet):

‘Bombs from an enemy aircraft caused much damage in the engine-room. One broke two discharge castings away from the ship’s side below the water line. The Chief Engineman climbed up on to the top of a drain tank, pressed the lifesaving waistcoat he was wearing into the after hole and plugged the forward hole with the clothes. Plugs were cut and passed down and he drove them in. More bombs were dropped and did further damage, the reversing wheel came off it’s shaft. Mr. Mussell got the order to stop, carried it out and then fitted the reversing wheel.

A fourth attack was made with machine guns and the winch steam pipe was pierced, filling the engine-room with steam.

Full steam ahead was ordered, and obeyed. The cranks were picking up water but the Chief Engineman kept the leaks under control. By climbing a ladder in the stoke-hold he found the escape of steam and stopped it. The courage and enterprise of the Chief Engineman enabled the ship to make port under her own steam.’