In April. 1917, it was announced that the Victoria Cross had been awarded to Commander Gordon Caxnpbell. of the Bri tish Navy, "in -recognition of conspicuous gallantry" and consummate coolness and skill in action." Commander Campbell nad previously won the award of tho Distinguished Service Order. No particulars were allowed to be published at tho time of the deed for which the Victoria Cross was gained Now, however, the Admiralty gives the account of the incident as follows i--" Commander Ca-mpbeirß Victoria Cross was won in February, 1917, on board a Q ship in the Irish Sea. A submarine suddenly torpedoed the vessel, and a big hole was caused near the engine room, but the gun crews were called to their fighting stations. To deceive the submarine, some boats were lowered, and a few of the crew rowed away aa it" the Q ship wore sinking. When the submarine's periscope appeared 200 yards away, the ensign waa hrrted and the gunners of the Q ship fired at her point-blank. The firafc shot struck her oon-ning-tower and blew off the head of her commander. The U boat sank. Commander Campbell picked up an officer and & man. Though the Q ship herself was alowly sinking during the fight, the chief engineer and hi* staff remained in the flooded engine roam, keeping the machinery (T 0 '"!?' until the water drove them awav, The Q ship was beached 24 hours latea"
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD19181206.2.11.3
Bibliographic details
Evening Star, Issue 16910, 6 December 1918, Page 2
Word Count
237Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 Evening Star, Issue 16910, 6 December 1918, Page 2
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