A Second War B.E.M. group of four awarded to Able Seaman J. H. Daniel, Mercantile Marine,...

A Second War B.E.M. group of four awarded to Able Seaman J. H. Daniel, Mercantile Marine, who rendered first aid to the injured following the torpedoing of the M.V. Port Victor off the Azores by the German submarine U-107 on 1 May 1943 British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (John Henry Daniel); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, minor edge bruise to first, generally very fine (4) £300-£400 --- B.E.M. London Gazette 31 August 1943. The original joint recommendation with Apprentice Matthews states: ‘The ship sailing alone was torpedoed. The explosion caused severe damage, wrecked two of the boats and stopped the engines. When it was apparent that the vessel could not be saved, orders for abandonment were given. The boats were kept together and the next day the survivors were picked up. Apprentice Matthews displayed outstanding qualities of courage, leadership and resource. In the absence of an officer he took charge of one of the boats in a most purposeful and efficient manner. Seeing two men in difficulties in the water he jumped overboard and rescued both. Able Seaman Daniel left one of the boats to take charge of another which was not under control. There were two dead in this boat and several seriously injured. After burying the bodies he rendered first aid to the injured and then skilfully handled the boat until the occupants were rescued. His leadership and cheerful spirit set a splendid example.’ John Henry Daniel was named in the Western Daily Press and Bristol Mirror on 1 September 1943 as a resident of 16a Culver Street, Bristol, at the time of his heroic actions. Both he and Apprentice Robert Matthews of Southampton were feted as heroes and awarded the British Empire Medal following the sinking of the refrigerated cargo ship Port Victor in the early hours of the morning. Struck by three torpedoes including the coup de grace which broke the ship in two, 19 crew and passengers were killed from a total complement of 164 souls; the survivors were later picked up a short distance from the Azores by H.M.S. Wren and were landed at Liverpool Docks.