HONOUR BY KING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 74, 8 January 1941, Page 5

HONOUR BY KING

GALLANT CONDUCT AT SEA. }*: . I •' t • SURVIVORS OF TORPEDOED SHIP OFFICER AM) WOMAN DECORATED (United Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, January 7. The tragedy of the sinking of tlio liner City. of Benares with a number of children aboard was recalled by the announcement that Mr Ronald Cooper and Miss Mary Cornish have been created members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Mr Cooper who was fourth officer on the torpedoed ship, managed to get away his lifeboat, containing 46 persons. Largely through his, seamanship this open boat sailed safely on the Atlantic for eight days being finally rescued by a British destroyer. Miss Cornish was an “escort” travelling in charge of a number of children. When the vessel was struck she collecte dtlie children for whom she was responsible and assembled them on the deck. She then returned below to see if any others were in need of aid. While the party was at sea she devoted herself to the task of saying her charges, massaging the children to preserve circulation, encouraging them to take simple exercises, inventing cheerful games and arranging a daily health routine. She showed great endurance, with entire disregard for herself. The party was rescued and brought safely home.—British Official Wireless.

TWO OTHER DECORATIONS.

LONG VOYAGE IN OPEN BOAT.

(Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, January 7

Among the awards to officers and men of the Merchant Navy for gallantry in carrying out their duties is* the creation of Robert Hammett as the office of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and the award of the George Medal to Edward Barnes, who were master and second officer respectively of a merchant vessel which was torpedoed by a submarine and sank, the crew abandoning her in three undamaged boats. After being 12 days in high seas—toward the end of a gale, with heavy seas which broke into the boat.—they sighted land and beached the .boat. Next day they put to sea again and reached port after a voyage of 350 miles. Of 29 occupants only 10 survived.

The announcernent of the award states: “The high endurance of Captain Hammett and Mr Barnes" saved these lives, and their steadfast resolution was in the highest traditions of the Merchant Navy.”—British Official Wireless.