Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War D.S.M. awarded to Chief Motor Mechanic Preston Hoggan, R.N.V.R., for services in M.L. 413 at the destruction of UB-71 in April 1918

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (MB.2075. P. Hoggan, M. Mech. R.N.V.R. M.L. 413. Mediterranean 21 Apl. 1918) nearly very fine £600-800

D.S.M. London Gazette 14 September 1918: ‘For services in action with enemy submarines.’

On 21 April 1918, M.L. 413, on patrol in the Straits of Gibraltar, was drifting at hydrophone watch near Almina Point (Cueta), when contact was made, the sound of fast revving engines coming from the westward. Switching on her lights to avoid any collision, M.L 413 nearly piled up on an enemy submarine which was crossing her bows a few yards ahead. UB-71 immediately “crash dived”, but Lieutenant J. S. Bell in the launch was determined not to lose his quarry and dropped depth-charges across her wake.

When the jarring explosions were over and the disturbed water had settled again, M.L. 413 stopped her engines and listened on her hydrophones for a long time until evidence of the kill was provided by large patches of oil and wreckage. A steel-lined door bearing splinter marks from the depth-charges allayed any fears the M.L. crews felt about the enemy’s escape. Thus ended the career of UB-71, which was on passage from the Adriatic to Germany, and for his successful action, fought in thickish mist and at few yards range, Lieutenant Bell was given the D.S.C., and at least one member of his crew received the D.S.M.

Preston Hoggan was born on 25 June 1899, and was a motor mechanic by trade when he engaged for the duration of hostilities on 26 June 1917. His skills as a mechanic were well suited to the Motor Launches of the R.N.V.R., with whom he served until demobilized in July 1919. He received promotion to Chief Motor Mechanic shortly after his U-Boat exploits, on 1 May 1918.