A NAVAL V.C.
POSTHUMOUS AWARD
LONDON, December 1
The Alexandria correspondent of the Associated Press says the Mediterranean Fleet's first Victoria Cross has been awarded posthumously to Petty Officer Alfred Sephton for conspicuous bravery off Crete on May 18.
Petty Officer Sephton was directing anti-aircraft fire from H.M.S. Coventry. Machine-gun bullets from a divebomber passed through his body, injuring a seaman who was with him. Sephton, despite great pain, continued his duties, "setting a magnificent example." He collapsed 10 minutes after the attack ended, and died in a few hours.
The citation adds that his action probably saved H.M.S. Coventry and the hospital ship Alba, which it was protecting, since the cruiser beat off the dive-bombers because Sephton stuck to his post.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19411202.2.34
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 133, 2 December 1941, Page 6
Word Count
122A NAVAL V.C. Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 133, 2 December 1941, Page 6
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