Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Second War C.B.E. and Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery group of ten awarded to Captain J. H. Biggs, Master of the S.S. Strathallan, for gallantry when his ship was torpedoed and sunk by an enemy submarine in December 1942

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Civil) Commander’s 2nd type, neck badge, silver-gilt and enamels, in its Garrard & Co. Ltd. case of issue; 1914-15 Star (Lieut. J. H. Biggs. R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. J. H. Biggs. R.N.R.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, 1 clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea, silver (Captain J. H. Biggs, S.S. “Strathallan”, 22nd December 1942.) in its fitted case of issue, together with named card box of issue for Second War medals and H.M.S. Worcester Training College silver medal (John Henry Biggs for General good Conduct) in its fitted case of issue, nearly extremely fine (11) £1,200-£1,600

C.B.E. London Gazette 11 May 1943.

Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea, Lloyd’s List & Shipping Gazette 14 October 1943.

‘Captain John Henry Biggs, Master (C.B.E.); George James MacLennan, Chief Engineer Officer (O.B.E.); Jack Simpson, Supernumerary Fourth Engineer Officer (M.B.E.); Christopher Herbert Goodall, Steward (B.E.M.).
The ship was torpedoed in darkness and suffered heavy damage. The master decided to get the passengers and the majority of the crew away, and they stood by in the boats. Temporary repairs were carried out and the vessel was taken in tow, but it became necessary to transfer the remainder of the crew, with the exception of a number of key personnel, to other ships which were standing by.
Later, a serious fire occurred and was soon out of control in spite of the prompt and determined efforts of the crew. Captain Biggs and the rest of those on board were forced to leave the ship. Attempts to tow the vessel were continued, but shortly afterwards she sank. The master showed courage, determination and skill throughout. He did all that was possible to save his ship, and it was due to his leadership and good organisation that only seven lives were lost. The chief engineer officer displayed calm courage and resource, and was responsible for the saving of life. He went to the engine-room, which was flooded with oil and water, and helped to rescue a fireman who was trapped under the gratings. He then found a large party of men whose exit from one of the lower decks had been blocked by the explosion, and led them up on deck through the engine-room. Mr. Simpson was injured by the explosion, but he would not leave his post in the boiler room until ordered to abandon ship. Before doing so he closed down the boilers. Afterwards, he jumped overboard from a motor lifeboat and helped to free the propeller, which had been fouled by a rope. He set a fine example throughout by his devotion to duty. Steward Goodall’s gallantry greatly contributed to the saving of many lives. When his boat became waterlogged and the occupants were washed into the sea he collected nine persons and kept them together until a raft was reached. Later, he was picked up by a boat from another ship and guided his rescuers in the darkness to a raft from which four persons were taken off.’

Sold with original warrant for C.B.E. and Lloyds List announcing award of medals together with various related letters and news cuttings.