AWARDS TO N.Z. SAILORS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 26 November 1943, Page 3

AWARDS TO N.Z. SAILORS

BRAVERY AFTER AN EXPLOSION London, Nov. 24, The Albert Medal in bronze has been awarded to Stoker (First Class) Donald William Dale of Timaru. He helped to rescue six men from a ship in which there was an explosion. All the antismoke apparatus was in use so Dale tied a handkerchief around his mouth, went down a smoke-filled compartment and helped to rescue four men. He came up for a spell and then went down another part of the ship in which the explosion had occurred. With the help of another, man he rescued two dockyard workmen, . -tting them up through a manhole by means of a rope. Dale, still without anti-smoke apparatus. had to grope his way through smoke and debris. The last step of the twisted vertical ladder down which he went was far short" of the deck below. Dale heard the cries of those who were trapped so he just closed his eyes and jumped. There was a chance that the deck might not hold under him but his luck was In and it held. He helped to get out two dockers. The citation also states: “Although unaware of the full damage which was caused to the ship, Dale well knew he was facing the gravest danger.” Engineroom Artificer (Second Class) William Vaughan of Auckland and Stoker (First Class) Ernest Valentine of Wanganui were mentioned in dispatches for bravery in saving life after the explosion.