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Burns, William Joseph

Nationality:
British

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Greaser
Unit:
M.V. Melbourne Star, Australian Merchant Navy
Awarded on:
August 15th, 1944
Citation:
"In the early part of 1943 the ship, sailing alone, was attacked in darkness. Two torpedoes hit the -ship and she sank almost immediately. There was no time to launch the boats but a number of rafts floated clear., Although efforts were made by the survivors on one raft to rescue others, only four of the crew were eventually rescued, after being adrift on a raft for 39 days. Able Seaman White. Greaser Burns, Greaser Best and Ordinary Seaman Nunn all displayed outstanding qualities of courage, fortitude and endurance which enabled them to survive the hardship and perils of the long and hazardous ordeal on the raft. "

Civil Divison.
British Empire Medal (BEM & EGM)

Sources

Photo