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Watkins, Thomas

Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Gunlayer
Unit:
s.s. "Rockpool" (Sir R. Ropner and Company, West Hartlepool)
Awarded on:
December 15th, 1939
Citation:
"A U-Boat suddenly appeared on the beam at about i,5 miles distance, and immediately fired a shot which fell about 100 yards short.
The second shot was close on the quarter.
The Master at once altered helm to bring the U-Boat astern and his gun into action.
Thirteen rounds were fired, which fell so close that the enemy was drenched with spray. The U-Boat fired some twenty rounds, and "Rockpool" was straddled, but not hit. After a stern chase of an hour and a quarter she shook off the enemy by .zig-zagging behind a screen of smoke floats.
The crew showed great coolness under fire, and the Gunlayer and gun's crew much readiness and skill."

Civil Division
British Empire Medal (BEM & EGM)

Sources

Photo