Second Hand Charles Down, S.G.M., was decorated for his services on the occasion of the Steam Trawler Oku, of Milford, running into trouble in the fishing-grounds off the South-West Coast of Ireland on 11.2.1928. As a Second Hand in a similar vessel, the Limeslade, he was one of two men who attempted to reach the stricken Oku in a small boat, an attempt that failed, after 'battling for nearly an hour', owing to 'the hurricane and raging sea'. A second attempt also failed but Down 'displayed great gallantry and ran a grave risk'. Luckily, an alternative means of rescue was ultimately successful.