Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Stoker 2nd Class A. Pugh, Royal Navy, who was killed in action when the destroyer H.M.S. Dainty was sunk by German bombers off Tobruk on 24 February 1941

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Admiralty enclosure, in card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mr John Pugh, 7 Algerian Street, Warrington, Lancs.’, extremely fine (3) £80-£120

Augustine Pugh was born in 1909 at Warrington, Lancashire and served during the Second World War as a Stoker 2nd Class in the Destroyer H.M.S. Dainty.

On 24 February 1941, Dainty left Tobruk on an interception and convoy defence patrol, accompanied by the destroyer H.M.S. Hasty. As they were leaving the harbour, the ships were attacked by low flying German bombers and Dainty was hit by a 1000 lb which passed through the captain’s cabin and detonated in the fuel tanks. A serious fire broke out immediately and spread rapidly, causing ammunition to explode and possibly the magazine also. Following Commander Thomas’ order to abandon ship, torpedo warheads began detonating and scattering fragments all around, sinking the motorboat which HMS Hasty had lowered to collect men in the water. Hasty herself, with skilful handling then came alongside Dainty and rescued the vast majority of the survivors before Dainty sank. 16 of Dainty’s crew were killed in the attack and 18 were wounded.

Pugh was amongst those killed, aged 31. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. His medals were sent to his father, John Pugh.