V.C. AWARDED TO COMMANDER

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23845, 14 January 1943, Page 3

V.C. AWARDED TO COMMANDER

DESTROYERS ESCORTING , CONVOY TO RUSSIA ' )V - ) RUGBY. Jan. 12. The' award of the Victoria Cross to Captain Robert Sherbrooke, , of the destroyer Onslow, is announced ~ n London Gazette. The official citation states; “Captain Sherbrooke, who was in the Onslow, was the senior officer in command of the destroyers escoiing an important convoy bound tor tne north of Russia which an enemy force was attempting to destroy. "Captain Sherbrooke led his destroyers in to attack and closed with the enemy. Four times the enemy tried to attack the convoy, but he was forced each time to withdraw behind a smoke screen to avoid the threat or torpedoes, and each time Captain Sherbrooke pushed him outside the gun range of the convoy and towards our covering forces, , "These engagements lasted for about two hours, but after the first 40 minifies the Onslow was hit and Captain Sherbrooke. who was seriously wounded in the face, temporarily lost I ho use of one eye. Nevertheless he continued to direct the ships under his command until further hits on his own

chin compelled him to disengage, but Jot uSff he was satisfied that the next senior officer had assumed control. It was only then that he agreed to leave the bridge for medical attention, and until the convoy was out of danger he insisted on receiving all reports of the aC “His courage, fortitude, and cool and prompt decisions inspired all around him. By his leadership and example the convoy was saved from damage and brought safely to its destination.”