Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Cadet

Awarded on:

July 8th, 1941

"Cadet Hay was serving in a Merchantman which was sunk by an enemy Raider. She was heavily shelled and machine-gunned, and many of her crew were killed. Two boats were got away, but the others were shot to pieces. Those of the crew who were left on board launched two rafts, and just before the ship went down they jumped in and swam for them. Cadet Hay reached a raft, but although sharks were swimming all round him, he dived in again and rescued the Radio Officer. As he swam back to the raft his clothing was torn by a shark."