A SKIPPER'S V.C. 



Let it be borne in mind that the engine-room of 

 a drifter was a small crowded space, that the burst- 

 ing of the main steam-pipe would rill that space 

 with scalding steam, that there was the constant 

 peril of an explosion from the boiler, and that it was 

 uncommonly hazardous to reach the dark, cramped 

 stoke-hole, an even worse place than the little en- 

 gine-room ; add to these risks the chance of the 

 shattered vessel foundering, or a shot smashing and 

 sinking her, and something approximating the true 

 picture will arise in ihe mind and show what hap- 

 pened in Otranto Straits. 



Courage of the very highest type was shown by 

 Second Hand John Turner, R.N.R., in performing 

 an act the like of which had been recognised on 

 many occasions by the award of the Victoria Cross. 

 Turner saw that the enemy were making determined 

 efforts to destroy the wireless telegraphy apparatus 

 of his little ship, and with the coolness that he would 

 have shown on the North Sea in climbing he went 

 aloft to strike the topmast, regardless of the fact 

 that shells were passing between the mast and the 

 funnel. This achievement came under the heading 

 of conspicuous gallantry and Turner was awarded 

 the medal. 



Uncommon heroism was shown by another second 

 hand, Joseph Hendry, R.N.R. His ship was in a 

 sinking state and the rest of the crew left her in a 

 small boat and were taken prisoners; but Hendry 

 refused to leave. At last his ship sank under him 

 and he was in the water for some hours until he was 



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