TNA ADM 199 790

226
SECRET²⁴¹
Subject.. Personnel. Recommendations for Services in Action.
From.....
Date
The Commanding Officer. H.M.S.BIDEFORD.
June 6th. 1940. NO.....
To
The Vice Admiral Commending. Lover.
Sir,
I have the honour to forward the following report on the conduct of By officers and ships company during the period May 29th - May 31st. 1940.
2. The general behaviour of the personnel was excellent. There was a feeling of great satisfaction throughout the ship when the orders to proceed to Dunkirk were recieved,
3. The behaviour of the nen under fire was exemplary.
There were no signs of panic or fear; orders were passed and recleved clearly, and were executed rapidly and correctly. All did their duty caluly and efficiently.
4. Great credit for the general organisation of the ship to meet emergencies is due to the late Lieutenant PAUL
ALISTAIR STEWART R.N., the Executive officer and Gunnery officer of the ship.
5. No acts of exceptional gallantry were observed, but I wish to bring to your special notice the two following cases of very great devotion to duty:-
I. Surgeon Lieutenant JOHN JORDAN. MB. B.Ch. R.N.
This officer by his conduct, zeal and unswerving devotion to duty throughout the period May 29th - May 31st.
was an outstanding example to us all. His Sick Borth Attendant seriously wounded; with limited resources, he competed with some fifty casualties, many horribly autilated or dangerously wounded. He performed sever 1 major operations; he organised his limited resources to their utmostn; throughout the period h he attended his patients continuously, and at all times displayed great Dility, patience and understanding. No effort was too much for him, no call was left unanswered; he was completely selfless. He upheld the traditions of the Royal Navy and of his profession in a most worthy nanner. It is considered that he TO
would be the very worthy recipient of a decoration in recogniti of his services.
GEORGE CROWDER
II. No.7354480. Private WILLIAM CROWDER.
6th. Field Ambulance " Company.
England. After the ship was struck by bonbs he volunteered
This man wasembarked from Bray Beach for passage to an hour later S.M.S.Kellett came alongside to take off all troops immediately to assist the Surgeon in tending the wounded, About promptly said he would remain in H.W.S.Hideford and continue embarked, because this was considered most advisable. Crowder
Bideford the very severly damaged and aground; at that time tending wounded. He did yhis knowing full well that thatH.M.S.
it was considered was highly improbable the ship would England. reach