The London Gazette Despatches for the Raid on Ostend of May 9/10, 1918
(Note, I've included here only references to M.L.'s vs all of the officers and men mentioned by Keyes in his despatch)
(Note, I've included here only references to M.L.'s vs all of the officers and men mentioned by Keyes in his despatch)
Admiralty, 28th August, 1918.
The following despatch has been received from Vice-Admiral Sir Roger J. B. Keyes, K.C.B., C.M.G., C.V.O., D.S.O., Commanding the Dover Patrol:-
Fleet House,
Dover,
24th July, 1918.
SIR,
With reference to my despatch No. 2305/003 of 15th June, 1918*, I have the honour to bring to the notice of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the names of the following Officers and Men who performed distinguished service in the second blocking operation against Ostend on the night of 9th/10th May, 1918
2..Aerial photographs taken prior to the operation clearly showed that the enemy had made special preparations in anticipation of a renewed attack.
3..The operation was carried out in mined waters in the face of a tremendous fire, and the greatest credit is due to those who so readily volunteered for hazardous service in the "Vindictive" and in motor launches detailed for rescue work, and to the crews of the numerous craft which covered and screened the approach of the "Vindictive," led her to her objective, and rescued the survivors of her crew after she had been blown up between the piers of Ostend harbour.
...
The following Officers, Petty Officers and Men performed specially distinguished service in action on the night of 9th/10th May, 1918:-
Lieut. Geoffrey H. Drummond, R.N.V.R.
Volunteered for rescue work in command of M.L. 254. Following "Vindictive" to Ostend, when off the piers a shell burst on board, killing Lieutenant Gordon Ross and Deckhand J. Thomas, wounding the coxswain, and also severely wounding Lieutenant Drummond in three places. Notwithstanding his wounds he remained on the bridge, navigated his vessel, which was already seriously damaged by shell fire, into Ostend harbour, placed her alongside "Vindictive," and took off two officers and thirty-eight men some of whom were killed and many wounded while embarking. When informed that there was no one alive left on board he backed his vessel out clear of the piers before sinking exhausted from his wounds. When H.M.S. "Warwick" fell in with M.L. 254 off Ostend half an hour later the latter was in a sinking condition. It was due to the indomitable courage of this very gallant officer that the majority of the crew of the "Vindictive" were rescued.
(Awarded the Victoria Cross)
Lieut. Roland Bourke, D.S.O., R.N.V.R.
Volunteered for rescue work in command of M.L. 276, and followed "Vindictive" into Ostend, engaging the enemy's machine guns on both piers with Lewis guns. After M.L. 254 had backed out Lieutenant Bourke laid his vessel alongside "Vindictive" to make further search. Finding no one he withdrew, but hearing cries in the water he again entered the harbour, and after a prolonged search eventually found Lieutenant Sir John Alleyne and two ratings, all badly wounded, in the water, clinging to an upended skiff, and rescued them. During all this time the motor launch was under a very heavy fire at close range, being hit in fifty-five places, once by a 6 in. shell - two of her small crew being killed and others wounded. The vessel was seriously damaged and speed greatly reduced. Lieutenant Bourke, however, managed to bring her out and carry on until he fell in with a Monitor, which took him in tow. This episode displayed daring and skill of a very high order, and Lieutenant Bourke's bravery and perseverance undoubtedly saved the lives of Lieutenant Alleyne and two of the "Vindictive's" crew.
(Awarded the Victoria Cross)
Cdr. (act. Capt.) Ion Hamilton Benn, D.S.O., M.P., R.N.V.R.
This officer led the motor launches in M.L. 105 with conspicuous ability and success. This is the third occasion Capt. Benn has led the inshore motor launch division off Ostend under a very heavy fire. Capt. Benn has set a very fine example of bravery and devotion to duty to the officers and men of the motor launches of the Dover Patrol, which he has commanded for nearly three years, and has thus contributed greatly to the success which has attended the gallant efforts of these small craft in carrying out the dangerous duties assigned to them during these operations off the Belgian coast.
(Companion of the Order of the Bath)
Lieut, (act. Lieut.-Cdr.) Keith R. Hoare, D.S.O., D.S.C., A.M., R.N.V.R.
Volunteered for rescue work at Ostend in command of M.L. 283. He was ordered to follow astern and assist two other motor launches which were detailed for rescue work. He remained at the Stroom Bank Buoy position until "Vindictive" had passed and then followed her, patrolling east and west within a quarter of a mile of the shore under heavy pom-pom and machine-gun fire, searching for survivors until 3.20 a.m., when all hope of finding anyone had passed.
(A bar to the DSO)
Cdr. William W. Watson, R.N.V.R.
Was in command of M.L. 105, and was of the greatest assistance to Capt. Benn in arranging and supervising the smoke screen. This involved going from end to end of the line and taking his vessel close inshore several times, when he came under heavy barrage fire. He showed great courage and coolness throughout the operation.
(Received DSO)
Lieut.-Cdr. Raphael Saunders, R.N.V.R.
This officer volunteered for rescue work at Ostend in command of M.L. 128. In company with M.L. 283 he went in after "Vindictive" to look for survivors. When near the shore he came under heavy fire - his signalman was killed and Lieut. Brayfield and one of the crew wounded. This officer showed great coolness, setting a fine example to his men throughout, and was of the greatest assistance in organising the smoke screen.
(Received DSO)
Lieut.-Cdr. Jean S. Mieville, R.N.V.R.
Was in command of M.L.280 and leader of a smoke-screen unit. He led his unit with skill and judgment in a very exposed position, and it was largely due to him that the screen was so extremely successful in his section.
(Received DSO)
Lieut. Rawsthorne Procter, R.N.V.R.
This officer was in charge of a section of motor launches screening Monitors during the bombardment of the Ostend shore batteries. He exhibited conspicuous ability and initiative under heavy fire, and materially contributed to the success of the operation.
(Received DSC)
Sub-Lieut. James Petrie, R.N.V.R.
This officer volunteered for rescue work in M.L.276. When the coxswain was killed near the Ostend piers, he jumped to the wheel and steered the launch into the harbour. When fired on by machine guns from the piers, he manned the Lewis gun and returned the fire on both pier-heads. Later, when three wounded men were discovered in the water, he personally assisted them into the launch, being exposed all the time to heavy fire.
(Received DSC)
Lieut. Anthony C. Mackie, R.N.V.R.
This officer was of great assistance in command of M.L.279. He pluckily carried on his smoke-screen work under fire for one and a half hours after breaking the starboard shaft, retiring with the rest of the flotilla, when operations were completed, under one engine.
(Received DSC)
Lieut.-Cdr. Arthur G. Watts, R.N.V.R.
This officer was in command of M.L.239 and leader of a smoke screen unit. He led his unit with skill and judgment in a very exposed position, and it was largely due to him that the screen was so extremely successful in his section.
(Received DSO)
Lieut. Felix F. Brayfield, R.N.V.R.
This officer volunteered for rescue work as second in command of M.L. 128. M.L. 128, in company with M.L. 283, went in after "Vindictive" to look for survivors. When near the shore she came under heavy fire, the signalman was killed and Lieut. Brayfield and one of the crew wounded. Lieut. Brayfield showed great devotion to duty, remaining on the bridge and carrying on with his duties until the operation was over, though wounded in the leg.
(Received DSC)
Lieut. Allan L. Geddes, R.N.V.R.
This officer was in command of M.L. 553 and leader of an inshore smoke screen unit. He led his unit with skill and judgment under fire, and it was largely due to him that the smoke screen was so extremely successful in his section.
(Received DSC)
Lieut. Gordon F. Ross, R.N.V.R. (Killed in action.)
Volunteered for rescue work in M.L. 254 - killed in the entrance to Ostend harbour.
Ldg. Dkhnd. David George Rees, R.N.R., O.N. 3146 S.D.
For his conspicuous gallantry as coxswain, of M.L. 254, remaining at the wheel after being wounded. He assisted Lieut.-Cdr. Drummond - also seriously wounded - to put the motor-launch alongside "Vindictive" in Ostend harbour and carried on until he was relieved by one of the rescued crew.
(Received Conspicuous Gallantry Medal)
The following volunteered for dangerous rescue work. It was largely due to the magnificent manner in which the men of these vessels carried out their duties that so many of the officers and men of the "Vindictive" were rescued:-
Ch Motor Mech. Archibald Murray Macfarlane, R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 549
(M.L. 254). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ch. Motor Mech. Edgar Frank Chivers,. R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 1919
(M.L. 276). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ch. Motor Mech. Fred Clark Talbot,. R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 1140
(M.L. 283). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ch Motor Mech. Hugh McMillan, R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 834
(M.L. 128). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ldg. Dkhnd. John Maclean, R.N.R., O.N. 267 S.D.
(M.L. 128). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Dkhnd. Olive Ingold Gillett, R.N.R., O.N. 14166 D.A.
(M.L. 128) (killed in action).
Ldg. Dkhnd. Joseph Hamshaw, R.N.R., O.N. 5006 S.D.
(M.L, 276) (killed in action).
Dkhnd. Hugh Sutherland, R.N.R., O.N. 4282 S.D.
(M.L. 276). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Dkhnd. Charles Edward Surtees, R.N.R., O.N. 19054 D.A.
(M.L. 254). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Dkhnd. William George Clark. R.N.R., O.N. 2966 S.D.
(M.L. 283). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Dkhnd. William HutcMnson, R.N.R., O.N. 14172 D.A.
(M.L. 276) (killed in action).
Ch. Motor Mech. George Kerr, R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 1747
(M.L. 276). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ch. Motor Mech. George Jones, R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 1131
(M.L. 254). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Dkhnd. John Owen Thomas, R.N.R., O.N. 19056 D.A.
(M.L. 254) (killed in action).
The following displayed courage and coolness under fire on the nights of llth/12th April, 22nd/23rd April, and 9th/10th May. These men carried out their duties with great steadiness, and materially contributed to the success of the operations:-
Ldg. Dkhnd. Walter George Farthing,. R.N.R., O.N. 2825 S.D.
(M.L. 105). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ldg. Dkhnd. George Turner, R.N.R., O.N. 621 S.D.
(M.L. 274). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ch. Motor Mech. Robert Rae, R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 676
(M.L. 551). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ldg. Dkhnd. George McGee, R.N.R., O.N. 4177 S.D.
(M.L. 397). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
The following Officers, Petty Officers and men also rendered valuable services in action and off the enemy coast:-
In Motor Launches.
Lieut. Malcolm MacCallum, R.N.V.R. (M.L. 292).
Lieut. John Gordon, R.N.V.R. (M.L. 397).
Lieut. Arthur G. Bagot, D.S.C., A.M., R.N.V.R. (M.L. 283).
Sub-Lieut. Cyril W. Scott, R.N.V.R. (M.L. 562).
Mid. Harold L. Proctor, R.N.V.R. (M.L. 283).
The following despatch has been received from Vice-Admiral Sir Roger J. B. Keyes, K.C.B., C.M.G., C.V.O., D.S.O., Commanding the Dover Patrol:-
Fleet House,
Dover,
24th July, 1918.
SIR,
With reference to my despatch No. 2305/003 of 15th June, 1918*, I have the honour to bring to the notice of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the names of the following Officers and Men who performed distinguished service in the second blocking operation against Ostend on the night of 9th/10th May, 1918
2..Aerial photographs taken prior to the operation clearly showed that the enemy had made special preparations in anticipation of a renewed attack.
3..The operation was carried out in mined waters in the face of a tremendous fire, and the greatest credit is due to those who so readily volunteered for hazardous service in the "Vindictive" and in motor launches detailed for rescue work, and to the crews of the numerous craft which covered and screened the approach of the "Vindictive," led her to her objective, and rescued the survivors of her crew after she had been blown up between the piers of Ostend harbour.
...
The following Officers, Petty Officers and Men performed specially distinguished service in action on the night of 9th/10th May, 1918:-
Lieut. Geoffrey H. Drummond, R.N.V.R.
Volunteered for rescue work in command of M.L. 254. Following "Vindictive" to Ostend, when off the piers a shell burst on board, killing Lieutenant Gordon Ross and Deckhand J. Thomas, wounding the coxswain, and also severely wounding Lieutenant Drummond in three places. Notwithstanding his wounds he remained on the bridge, navigated his vessel, which was already seriously damaged by shell fire, into Ostend harbour, placed her alongside "Vindictive," and took off two officers and thirty-eight men some of whom were killed and many wounded while embarking. When informed that there was no one alive left on board he backed his vessel out clear of the piers before sinking exhausted from his wounds. When H.M.S. "Warwick" fell in with M.L. 254 off Ostend half an hour later the latter was in a sinking condition. It was due to the indomitable courage of this very gallant officer that the majority of the crew of the "Vindictive" were rescued.
(Awarded the Victoria Cross)
Lieut. Roland Bourke, D.S.O., R.N.V.R.
Volunteered for rescue work in command of M.L. 276, and followed "Vindictive" into Ostend, engaging the enemy's machine guns on both piers with Lewis guns. After M.L. 254 had backed out Lieutenant Bourke laid his vessel alongside "Vindictive" to make further search. Finding no one he withdrew, but hearing cries in the water he again entered the harbour, and after a prolonged search eventually found Lieutenant Sir John Alleyne and two ratings, all badly wounded, in the water, clinging to an upended skiff, and rescued them. During all this time the motor launch was under a very heavy fire at close range, being hit in fifty-five places, once by a 6 in. shell - two of her small crew being killed and others wounded. The vessel was seriously damaged and speed greatly reduced. Lieutenant Bourke, however, managed to bring her out and carry on until he fell in with a Monitor, which took him in tow. This episode displayed daring and skill of a very high order, and Lieutenant Bourke's bravery and perseverance undoubtedly saved the lives of Lieutenant Alleyne and two of the "Vindictive's" crew.
(Awarded the Victoria Cross)
Cdr. (act. Capt.) Ion Hamilton Benn, D.S.O., M.P., R.N.V.R.
This officer led the motor launches in M.L. 105 with conspicuous ability and success. This is the third occasion Capt. Benn has led the inshore motor launch division off Ostend under a very heavy fire. Capt. Benn has set a very fine example of bravery and devotion to duty to the officers and men of the motor launches of the Dover Patrol, which he has commanded for nearly three years, and has thus contributed greatly to the success which has attended the gallant efforts of these small craft in carrying out the dangerous duties assigned to them during these operations off the Belgian coast.
(Companion of the Order of the Bath)
Lieut, (act. Lieut.-Cdr.) Keith R. Hoare, D.S.O., D.S.C., A.M., R.N.V.R.
Volunteered for rescue work at Ostend in command of M.L. 283. He was ordered to follow astern and assist two other motor launches which were detailed for rescue work. He remained at the Stroom Bank Buoy position until "Vindictive" had passed and then followed her, patrolling east and west within a quarter of a mile of the shore under heavy pom-pom and machine-gun fire, searching for survivors until 3.20 a.m., when all hope of finding anyone had passed.
(A bar to the DSO)
Cdr. William W. Watson, R.N.V.R.
Was in command of M.L. 105, and was of the greatest assistance to Capt. Benn in arranging and supervising the smoke screen. This involved going from end to end of the line and taking his vessel close inshore several times, when he came under heavy barrage fire. He showed great courage and coolness throughout the operation.
(Received DSO)
Lieut.-Cdr. Raphael Saunders, R.N.V.R.
This officer volunteered for rescue work at Ostend in command of M.L. 128. In company with M.L. 283 he went in after "Vindictive" to look for survivors. When near the shore he came under heavy fire - his signalman was killed and Lieut. Brayfield and one of the crew wounded. This officer showed great coolness, setting a fine example to his men throughout, and was of the greatest assistance in organising the smoke screen.
(Received DSO)
Lieut.-Cdr. Jean S. Mieville, R.N.V.R.
Was in command of M.L.280 and leader of a smoke-screen unit. He led his unit with skill and judgment in a very exposed position, and it was largely due to him that the screen was so extremely successful in his section.
(Received DSO)
Lieut. Rawsthorne Procter, R.N.V.R.
This officer was in charge of a section of motor launches screening Monitors during the bombardment of the Ostend shore batteries. He exhibited conspicuous ability and initiative under heavy fire, and materially contributed to the success of the operation.
(Received DSC)
Sub-Lieut. James Petrie, R.N.V.R.
This officer volunteered for rescue work in M.L.276. When the coxswain was killed near the Ostend piers, he jumped to the wheel and steered the launch into the harbour. When fired on by machine guns from the piers, he manned the Lewis gun and returned the fire on both pier-heads. Later, when three wounded men were discovered in the water, he personally assisted them into the launch, being exposed all the time to heavy fire.
(Received DSC)
Lieut. Anthony C. Mackie, R.N.V.R.
This officer was of great assistance in command of M.L.279. He pluckily carried on his smoke-screen work under fire for one and a half hours after breaking the starboard shaft, retiring with the rest of the flotilla, when operations were completed, under one engine.
(Received DSC)
Lieut.-Cdr. Arthur G. Watts, R.N.V.R.
This officer was in command of M.L.239 and leader of a smoke screen unit. He led his unit with skill and judgment in a very exposed position, and it was largely due to him that the screen was so extremely successful in his section.
(Received DSO)
Lieut. Felix F. Brayfield, R.N.V.R.
This officer volunteered for rescue work as second in command of M.L. 128. M.L. 128, in company with M.L. 283, went in after "Vindictive" to look for survivors. When near the shore she came under heavy fire, the signalman was killed and Lieut. Brayfield and one of the crew wounded. Lieut. Brayfield showed great devotion to duty, remaining on the bridge and carrying on with his duties until the operation was over, though wounded in the leg.
(Received DSC)
Lieut. Allan L. Geddes, R.N.V.R.
This officer was in command of M.L. 553 and leader of an inshore smoke screen unit. He led his unit with skill and judgment under fire, and it was largely due to him that the smoke screen was so extremely successful in his section.
(Received DSC)
Lieut. Gordon F. Ross, R.N.V.R. (Killed in action.)
Volunteered for rescue work in M.L. 254 - killed in the entrance to Ostend harbour.
Ldg. Dkhnd. David George Rees, R.N.R., O.N. 3146 S.D.
For his conspicuous gallantry as coxswain, of M.L. 254, remaining at the wheel after being wounded. He assisted Lieut.-Cdr. Drummond - also seriously wounded - to put the motor-launch alongside "Vindictive" in Ostend harbour and carried on until he was relieved by one of the rescued crew.
(Received Conspicuous Gallantry Medal)
The following volunteered for dangerous rescue work. It was largely due to the magnificent manner in which the men of these vessels carried out their duties that so many of the officers and men of the "Vindictive" were rescued:-
Ch Motor Mech. Archibald Murray Macfarlane, R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 549
(M.L. 254). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ch. Motor Mech. Edgar Frank Chivers,. R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 1919
(M.L. 276). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ch. Motor Mech. Fred Clark Talbot,. R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 1140
(M.L. 283). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ch Motor Mech. Hugh McMillan, R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 834
(M.L. 128). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ldg. Dkhnd. John Maclean, R.N.R., O.N. 267 S.D.
(M.L. 128). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Dkhnd. Olive Ingold Gillett, R.N.R., O.N. 14166 D.A.
(M.L. 128) (killed in action).
Ldg. Dkhnd. Joseph Hamshaw, R.N.R., O.N. 5006 S.D.
(M.L, 276) (killed in action).
Dkhnd. Hugh Sutherland, R.N.R., O.N. 4282 S.D.
(M.L. 276). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Dkhnd. Charles Edward Surtees, R.N.R., O.N. 19054 D.A.
(M.L. 254). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Dkhnd. William George Clark. R.N.R., O.N. 2966 S.D.
(M.L. 283). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Dkhnd. William HutcMnson, R.N.R., O.N. 14172 D.A.
(M.L. 276) (killed in action).
Ch. Motor Mech. George Kerr, R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 1747
(M.L. 276). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ch. Motor Mech. George Jones, R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 1131
(M.L. 254). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Dkhnd. John Owen Thomas, R.N.R., O.N. 19056 D.A.
(M.L. 254) (killed in action).
The following displayed courage and coolness under fire on the nights of llth/12th April, 22nd/23rd April, and 9th/10th May. These men carried out their duties with great steadiness, and materially contributed to the success of the operations:-
Ldg. Dkhnd. Walter George Farthing,. R.N.R., O.N. 2825 S.D.
(M.L. 105). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ldg. Dkhnd. George Turner, R.N.R., O.N. 621 S.D.
(M.L. 274). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ch. Motor Mech. Robert Rae, R.N.V.R., O.N. M.B. 676
(M.L. 551). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
Ldg. Dkhnd. George McGee, R.N.R., O.N. 4177 S.D.
(M.L. 397). (Received the Distinguished Service Medal)
The following Officers, Petty Officers and men also rendered valuable services in action and off the enemy coast:-
In Motor Launches.
Lieut. Malcolm MacCallum, R.N.V.R. (M.L. 292).
Lieut. John Gordon, R.N.V.R. (M.L. 397).
Lieut. Arthur G. Bagot, D.S.C., A.M., R.N.V.R. (M.L. 283).
Sub-Lieut. Cyril W. Scott, R.N.V.R. (M.L. 562).
Mid. Harold L. Proctor, R.N.V.R. (M.L. 283).
Supplement to The London Gazette, 28 August 1918