GIVEN ALBERT MEDAL

Waikato Times, Volume 193, Issue 22204, 25 November 1943, Page 6

GIVEN ALBERT MEDAL

GALLANT NEW ZEALANDER (Special Correspondent > (Received Nov. 25, 2 p.m.) 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 an explosion occurred. All the anti-smoke apparatus was in use so Stoker Dale tied a handkerchief around his mouth, went down into the smoke-filled compartment, and helped to rescue four men. He came up for a spell and then went down into another part of the ship in which an explosion occurred. With the help of another man he rescued two dockyard workmen, getting them up through a manhole by ropes.

Stoker Dale, still without antismoke apparatus, had to grope his way through and debris. The last twisted and vertical ladder which he went down was far short of the deck below. Stoker 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. It held. He helped to get out two dockers.

The citation also states: “Although unaware of the full damage which had been caused to the ship. Stoker Dale well knew that he wars facing the gravest danger.*’ Engine-room Artificer Second-Class William Vaughan, of Auckland, and Stoker First-Class Ernest Valentine, of War.ganui, were mentioned in despatches for bravery in saving life after the explosion.