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Watkins, Thomas

Nationality:
British

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, Military Division)

Sources

Photo