Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An outstanding O.B.E., ‘operation Pedestal’ D.S.C. and Lloyd’s Bravery Medal group of nine awarded to Chief Engineer Thomas Spence, Merchant Navy, for gallantry when the S.S. Dorset was bombed and sunk after repeated attacks by Ju 87s and Ju 88s on this most famous of Malta convoys in August 1942

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Civil) Officer’s 2nd type breast badge; Distinguished Service Cross, G.VI.R., reverse officially dated 1943 and hallmarked London 1942; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; Burma Star; War Medal; Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea (Chief Engineer Officer Thomas Spence, M.V. “Dorset” 12th August 1942) extremely fine (9) £2500-3000

O.B.E. (Civil) London Gazette 1 January 1963: For services as Building Superintendent with the New Zealand Shipping Company Limited.

D.S.C. London Gazette 26 January 1943: For distinguished services during the passage to Malta of an important Convoy [Operation Pedestal].

Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea, awards for Operation Pedestal to the officers and crew of the s.s. Dorset: Captain J. C. Tuckett, Master; Thomas Spence, Chief Engineer Officer; John Trotter, Chief Officer; Patrick A. T. Gordon, Apprentice; William R. Anderson, Gunner:

‘The ship was in a convoy which was fought through to Malta in the face of relentless attacks by day and night from enemy aircraft, submarines and surface craft. After surviving many attacks the vessel was hit by a bomb, set on fire, and so badly damaged that Captain Tuckett ordered her to be abandoned. The whole ship’s company were taken on board a destroyer, and later an attempt was made to take the vessel in tow, but before a line could be secured another air attack developed and the volunteers were ordered to return to the destroyer. During a further attack the ship was hit again and sank. Throughout the numerous attacks Captain Tuckettshoweed outstanding devotion to duty, courage and leadership, and did everything possible to save his ship. Chief Engineer Spence set a fine example of bravery and a high sense of duty. He stayed in the engine-room carrying out orders and kept the engines running.’

Awards to the gallant crew of the Dorset for operation Pedestal included 3 D.S.C.’s, 3 D.S.M.’s, 3 mentions, and 5 Lloyd’s Bravery Medals. The following extracts are taken from Captain Tuckett’s operational report which he submitted on 16 September 1942:

‘The officer on the bridge saw Spitfires overhead but was unable to communicate with the guns crew and within a few minutes one of our Spitfires was shot down. At 1140 local time we were again attacked by enemy aircraft and the Dorset was near missed by 3 bombs on the starboard side close to the bridge, another stick followed on the port side abreast of the engine room and No. 4 hatch. Water immediately entered the engine room from the starboard side, the piston cooler and refrigerating discharges were fractured and a large hole was blown into the ship’s side in the way of the main and refrigerating injections. Smoke was seen coming from No. 4 port forward Samson post ventilator and from after port No. 4 ventilator. I think probably one of the bombs had penetrated into No. 4 hold. As the fire was ungetatable owing to other cargo being in the way and was in close proximity to the high octane petrol, also as the engines and pumps were out of commission I decided to abandon ship immediately. This was done and the whole ship’s company was taken on board H.M.S. Bramham.’

‘After consultation with the Commander of this Destroyer it was decided to take the Dorset in tow. A number of volunteers returned to the ship with a rope to pull the tow line aboard, but another air attack was signalled before the line could be secured, so the volunteers were ordered to leave the Dorset and rejoin the Destroyer. While on board it was found that the water was above the cylinder heads of the engine and No. 4 shelter deck was ablaze.’

H.M.S. Barham with my crew on board went to assist H.M.S. Penn who was standing by the s.s. Ohio which was stopped about 5-6 miles distant. At 1630 aircraft again attacked the Dorset, dropping bombs astern of her and then making a direct hit on the foredeck which immediately burst into flames. The ship settled by the stern and at 2000 she disappeared stern first.’

‘Chief Engineer Spence set a magnificent example of courage. Throughout the 3 days of attacks he remained at his post of duty carrying out all orders without the slightest sign of fear and was a magnificent example.’

Captain Tuckett concluded his report with the following rather unusual request: ‘As this operation was so important and will perhaps be one of the “epics” of this war, I put forward the suggestion that it would be a nice gesture if each Master of the Merchant vessels who took part could be given a full account of the operation. During this operation it was only possible to see a little of what was happening in ones own immediate vicinity, and it was impossible to view the attacks as a whole.’