Lot Essay
D.S.M. London Gazette 28.9.1943. Recommendation states 'Ordinary Seaman Wardle was so severely wounded in the leg and hand that subsequent amputation was necessary. Making no mention of his wounds, he remained at his station and carried out his duties without hesitation until he collapsed, displaying courage and fortitude of a high order'.
Ordinary Seaman Cyril Wardle, D.S.M., was serving in the Destroyer H.M.S. Melbreak at the time of the above incident off Quessant in the English Channel:
'In a close action fought on the night of 9-10.7.1943, H.M.S. Melbreak, in company with H.M.S. Wensleydale, and H. Nor. M.S. Gaisdale, left two enemy Minesweepers sinking, severely damaged two others and probably destroyed two E or R-Boats. The engagement was conducted with spirit by the Senior Officer, Lieutenant G.E.C.T. Baines, R.N., in H.M.S. Melbreak, until a shell wrecked the Fore-bridge of his ship, killing or severely wounding all the Officers on it. Great skill and resource was shown by Surgeon-Lieutenant R.H. Jones, R.N.V.R. and much fortitude by Ordinary Seaman Wardle and Yeoman of Signals Gallagher after they had been wounded' (ADM 1/14462 refers).
Ordinary Seaman Cyril Wardle, D.S.M., was serving in the Destroyer H.M.S. Melbreak at the time of the above incident off Quessant in the English Channel:
'In a close action fought on the night of 9-10.7.1943, H.M.S. Melbreak, in company with H.M.S. Wensleydale, and H. Nor. M.S. Gaisdale, left two enemy Minesweepers sinking, severely damaged two others and probably destroyed two E or R-Boats. The engagement was conducted with spirit by the Senior Officer, Lieutenant G.E.C.T. Baines, R.N., in H.M.S. Melbreak, until a shell wrecked the Fore-bridge of his ship, killing or severely wounding all the Officers on it. Great skill and resource was shown by Surgeon-Lieutenant R.H. Jones, R.N.V.R. and much fortitude by Ordinary Seaman Wardle and Yeoman of Signals Gallagher after they had been wounded' (ADM 1/14462 refers).