British Groups

Lot 4016    The J.J.Atkinson Collection    British Groups

Estimate $6,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $6,600

GROUP OF SEVEN TO FOURTH ENGINEER OFFICER HAROLD FRANKLIN BROWN, Merchant Navy Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE); George Medal (Harold Franklin Brown); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Italy Star; Defence Medal; British War Medal 1939-45. George Medal named engraved, others unnamed. Very fine.

OBE: London Gazette 6 July 1943; 'A ship was attacked and set on fire by the enemy. Flames were quickly spreading and ammunition was bursting when a party from MV KING SALVOR boarded her. They fought the fire until all hands were exhausted. A relief party was sent but it was soon found necessary to abandon the efforts to quench the fire. The ship burnt to water level and sank while in tow. Captain Harding showed great determination and doggedness in boarding the fiercely blazing ship, disregarding the danger from the constantly exploding ammunition. Mr Brown displayed great courage and his inspiring leadership set an example to all. He remained below decks amongst exploding ammunition throughout the entire operations.'

GM: London Gazette 12 September 1944. 'MV KING SALVOR was engaged on salvage operations at Naples on 11 October 1943. Two officers descended into the interior of an overturned derrick barge and to facilitate the removal of this craft, a manhole had to be cut in the side to allow work to continue on the deck below. It was intended to cut a second manhole in the deck and a Salvage Officer and one the officers of the ship were doing this work when an explosion took place which fired the compartment. The ship's officer was overcome by the flames before he could free himself and sustained serious burns from which he subsequently died. Mr Brown dragged him clear and then descended into the still burning compartment and bought out the Salvage Officer. Mr Brown, although on the point of collapse, was able to drag him to the manhole and into a stream of water which was being directed from another ship nearby. Mr Brown made a gallant attempt to save the life of his shipmate, but for his further prompt and courageous action, the Salvage Officer would undoubtedly have been burnt to death or suffocated by the smoke which followed the fire.'

Together with personal letter from H.M. The King regarding the award of the George Medal; congratulatory letter from Capt V.C. Eason OBE DSC RN; and extracts from the London Gazette.