DECORATED

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1940, Page 6

DECORATED

RIVER PLATE HEROES. AjJCK'LAND, June 16.;; A public, .investiture was ,held by the Governor-General in the Town Mall on Sathrclay nighf iyhen, he, .presented most of the decorations awarded to officers and ratings of H.M.S. Achilles for their conduct in the River Plate action against the Graf ySpee, The other decorations were presented at an investiture held in Wellington several weeks ago. . . .. .

Many relatives of the men attended, but the attendance of the general public was small.

The officers and men receiving decorations were:—Commodore W. E. Parry, C. 8.; Commander D. M. L. Xeame and Liuetenant-Commander It. E. Wasbbourn, D. 5.0.; Lieutenant G. G. Cowburn and Gunners E. J. Watts, and T. H. Burchel, D. 5.0.; Sergeant c .T Tumble, C.G.M.; Able Seaman E l . V. Shirley, Able Seaman H. rf. Gould, Ordinary Seaman T. E l . Rod-. gers, Boy A. M. Dorset, Mechanician t. TToM. Chief Stoker W. J. Wian, Chief Yoeman of Signals L. C. Martinson. Chief Telegraphist W. L. Brewer, Ordnance Artificer G. H. Sampson, Cook A. G. Young, and Sergeant F. T,. Saunders D.S.M. Before presenting the decorations, Lord Galway explained that the investiture was being held publicly bv command of the King, The last de-, coration he presented was tk> Chief Yoeman of Signals Martinson', who, with one leg still in piaster, was .unable to go up on the stage. Lord Galway, accompanied by Lady Galway, walked over to him to make the 'presentation. , . j, ,