GALLANTRY AT SEA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18751, 3 January 1923, Page 8

GALLANTRY AT SEA

EVANS OP H.M.S. BROKE. AWARD OP GOLD MEDAL. A MODEST HERO. (From Odr Own Correspondent.) LONDON, November 24. “I only did my job. I am a paid sailor.” With these modest words Captain E. R. G. R. Evans, C. 8., D. 5.0., of H.M.S., Carlisle, accepted the first gold medal struck by Lloyd’s in recognition of gallant conduct in rescuing life at sea. Silver medals and bronze have been awarded before, but Captain Evans’s bravery appeared to,'Lloyd's so outstanding that it necessitated a great departure. To about 2000 members and clerks, Mr A. L. Sturge, from the pulpit at Lloyd’s, spoke of the heroism of their guest, who, accompanied by his beautiful Norse wife, stood at the foot of the rostrum, his breast covered with decorations. Mr A. L. Sturge (chairman of Lloyd’s) related how, on March 3, 1921. the .steamship Hong Moh, carrying HOO Chinese coolies, struck on rocks north-east of Hongkong. Captain Evans, in command of H.M.S. Carlisle, received an urgent wireless message, and he went at all speed, but found ho could not got near owing to shallow water. Ho took charg'd of a motor-boat, which also could not get close owing to the heavy seas. Captain Evans thereupon swam to the wreck with a line. Only a powerful swimmer could have made headway, and there was danger of being dashed to pieces against the wreck. Eventually ho made fast the line, and the survivors were hauled on board the motorboat, back to which Captain Evans ewam. Later, while the boat was crowded with refugees, it was discovered that a rope had fouled the propeller, and again Captain Evans went overboard. After hard work, the propeller was released. “They succeeded in saving every living man from the wreck,” said Mr Sturge,-amid' a tornado of cheer--111 Captain Evans, in thanking Lloyd’s for the medal and the chairman for his words, said it was easy for British sailors to take big risks when they knew they had go6d men behind them. "I only did my job. I am a paid sailor. There was something to be done, and my men did it.” Captain Evans has been appointed to command the Auxiliary Patrol on the China Station. ____________