Under Development.  Contributions and corrections welcome.

 

AWARD ABBREVIATIONS

OTHER ABBREVIATIONS

NOTES

GC: George Cross

DSO: Distinguished Service Order
DSC: Distinguished Service Cross

GM: George Medal

QGM: Queen's Gallantry Medal

CGM: Conspicuous Gallantry Medal

DSM: Distinguished Service Medal

CBE: Commander of the Order of the British Empire

OBE: Officer of the Order of the British Empire

MBE: Member of the Order of the British Empire

BEM: British Empire Medal (now superseded by MBE)

MID: Mention in Despatches
QCB: Queen's Commendation for Bravery/Brave Conduct

QCVS: Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service

CD: Clearance Diver
MCDO: Minewarfare & Clearance Diving Officer
MW: Mine Warfare
FCDT: Fleet Clearance Diving Team
PCDT: Plymouth Clearance Diving Team
P&MCDT: Portsmouth & Medway Clearance Diving Team

QDD: Qualified Deep Diver
SNICDT: Scotland & Northern Ireland Clearance Diving Team 
UCWE: Underwater Countermeasures Weapons Establishment

 

 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 

NAME

RANK/RATE AT TIME

UNIT

DATE
GAZETTED

AWARD

REMARKS

A

ALDERTON
Peter Hann

LS

UCWE Portland

28 May 57

BEM

CD - BEM awarded for gallantry and skill in rendering safe a German mine underwater and in darkness in the West India Dock, London on 26th January 1957.
ANDERSON
John Kevin Arnie		 Diver 1 Northern Diving Group 25 Jul 08 QCB CD - QCB awarded for attempting to find survivors in capsized oil rig support vessel Bourbon Dolphin in heavy seas off the Shetland Islands on 12 April 2007.

B

BALLINGER
 Christopher John (Cris)

CPO(D)

FCDT

30 Dec 87

BEM

CD - BEM awarded in New Year Honours 1988 for diving bell rescue in MV Seaforth Clansman.

BARKER
 John Samuel

A/LS

FCDT

26 Jul 68

QCB

CD - QCB awarded in recognition of his great determination, courage and devotion to duty when assisting in the disposal of several live bombs in the Wanchai district of Hong Kong on 13th August 1967.
BARRINGTON
William David		 Commissioned Gunner (T) HMS Vernon 1 Jan 49 MBE QDD - Appointed MBE in New Year Honours 1949.  Broke 16-year old British held world deep diving record of 344 ft by reaching 358 ft from HMS Reclaim off Malta on 19 Aug 1949 until PO Wilfred Bollard set new record of 535 ft (163 m) on 28 Aug 1948.  The world record was broken again by Lt George Wookey MBE RN with a dive to 600 ft on 12 Oct 1956.

BIRKETT
 John (Jack)

Cdr RN

SofD

30 Dec 87

OBE

MCDO - Appointed OBE as Superintendent of Diving during operation to rescue passengers and recover bodies from MV Herald of Free Enterprise car ferry at Zeebrugge.

BOUND
 Simon Nicholas

Lt RN

FCDT

30 Dec 87

QGM

MCDO - QGM awarded in recognition of bravery during the hazardous rescue operations after the capsize of MV Herald of Free Enterprise off Zeebrugge on the night of 6th March 1987.
BRAIDWOOD
Brian Harold Lithgow		 Lt Cdr RN Fleet MCDO, Far East Fleet 19 Jan 71 QCB MCDO - QCB awarded for brave conduct.  See below.
On 1st June 1970, R.F.A. ENNERDALE, carrying 42,000 tons of fuel oils, sank in 100 feet of water in the Seychelles and it was decided that immediate action should be taken to release the oil while the South East Monsoon would carry the oil clear of the main islands.

Conventional methods of placing explosives alongside the hull, using boats and divers were impractical in the heavy swell.  Lieutenant Commander Braidwood, the Far East Clearance Diving Officer, working with Lieutenant Kenworthy, the senior pilot detached from 847 Naval Air Squadron, devised a method whereby 3 mortar bombs placed on a pallet could be lowered into position on the wreck from a helicopter, the cordtex fuse then being ignited by the crew inside the helicopter.  With ENNERDALE lying on her starboard side, and using a Wessex HU Mk. 5 helicopter, this method successfully breached the port tanks, releasing about 12,000 tons of oil.

To reach the starboard side tanks another demolition charge was constructed.  To place the charge in the correct position divers secured a 45 foot wire pennant to the top of the wreck and, using a gemini dinghy, joined it to a similar wire lowered from the helicopter.  The dinghy raced clear, the helicopter crew fit the cordtex fuse and released the bomb tray which, on its ninety foot pennant, sank down alongside the vents on the lower tanks.

Later in the operation when H.M.S. CACHALOT was unable to fire torpedoes into the wreckage to free oil trapped in the hull, the warheads were taken off the torpedoes, and towed and detonated in the same way.  When some of the warheads failed to explode, Lieutenant Commander Braidwood dived to investigate the reason.  At this stage short pre-cut delay fuses were added and Lieutenant Commander Braidwood ignited the fuses on the surface of the sea, while suspended on the helicopter's winch wire.  There was always a swell, often heavy, and diving was dangerous.  Faced with a difficult and unusual situation, Lieutenant Commander Braidwood showed remarkable ingenuity and courage.

BRAY
 Bernard Edward (Donkey)

CPO(CD1)
CPO(CD1)

FCDT
FCDT

7 Aug 73
14 Apr 75

BEM
Bar to BEM

CD - BEM awarded for gallantry in Malta. See below.

 

Bar to BEM awarded for Suez Canal clearance.

Chief Petty Officer Bray and Petty Officer Humphrey were the Seconds-in-Command of the two shifts who were working under Lieutenant O'Driscoll during the period 16th October to 11th December 1972. Their coolness both whilst diving themselves and directing the operations of others was instrumental in the success of the highly dangerous operation of removing the bombs from the wreck of the SS Talbot.

 

The leadership and courage shown by Chief Petty Officer Bray and Petty Officer Humphrey were of the highest order and in the best traditions of the Service.

BRETT
 Brian William

LS

P&MCDT

29 Apr 75

QGM

CD - See below.

QGM awarded for gallantry. Lieutenant Dutton, the Officer-in-Charge of the Portsmouth and Medway Clearance Diving Team and Leading Seaman Brett, a member of the Portsmouth and Medway Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, boarded the Suction Dredger THE SOLENT moored off Felixstowe at 2100 on 3rd August 1974 to investigate a mine which was immovably jammed in the vessel's drag head. The mine, a Ground Type GD, is the most difficult and dangerous to render safe of all the types used by the Germans in World War II. Because of the location and condition in which the mine was discovered, the normal procedure for rendering the mine safe was not possible.

 

After Lieutenant Dutton had organised the evacuation of non-essential personnel from the dredger, he and Leading Seaman Brett commenced the difficult task of removing the mine from the vessel's drag head. The damage to the fuse in the dredging operation prevented identification and normal defusing procedure. Although aware that the fuse might be in a highly dangerous state, Lieutenant Dutton and Leading Seaman Brett continued with the task until the mine was eventually freed, lowered to the sea-bed and detonated at 0205 the following morning.

 

Lieutenant Dutton's skill and calm efficiency and Leading Seaman Brett's courage and devotion to duty during the prolonged operation were in the highest tradition of the Service.

BRUEN
Nigel Arthur (Bernie)

Lt Cdr RN

CO FCDT 3
CO HMS Gavinton

8 Oct 82

DSC
MBE

MCDO - See below.

DSC awarded in recognition of service during operations in the South Atlantic.

 

During the evening of 25 May 1982, RFA SIR GALAHAD was struck by a 1,000 Ib bomb which failed to explode. Lieutenant Bruen, Officer in Charge Fleet Clearance Diving Team 3 was tasked to effect its removal. The bomb was lodged in a difficult position, surrounded by broken batteries which had splashed acid around the compartment. The decision was taken to raise the bomb to the vehicle deck and dispose of it overboard. This difficult and dangerous task was successfully completed by the team in the early hours of the following day. During the operation, Lieutenant Bruen showed great personal courage and impeccable leadership.

 

Appointed MBE for mine recovery during Operation Harling in Red Sea 1984 while in Command of HMS Gavinton.
BRUNTON
Neil Andrew 'Andy'		 WO1(D) Defence Diving School 16 Jun 07 MBE CD - Appointed MBE in Queen's Birthday Honours 2007.

BRYANT
 Arthur Quantrill

CPO(CD1)

(Gazetted as CPO(GI))

Med Fleet CD Team

2 Jun 62

BEM

CD - BEM awarded Queen's Birthday Honours 1962.
BUTLER
Edward		 CPO(CD1) ? 1 Jan 1971 BEM CD - BEM awarded New Year Honours 1971.

C

CARSS
Andrew (Andy)

CPO(D)

SDU 2

29 Apr 03

QGM

CD - QGM awarded for Brave Conduct in rendering safe a Second World War German 250 kg bomb unearthed in Portsmouth Naval Base on 19 Sep 02. It took 20 hours to expose and immunise the fuzes after which the bomb was taken to sea and detonated at 1040 on 20 Sep.

CARTER
 Sydney

CPO(CD1)

P&MCDT

31 Dec 74

BEM

CD - BEM awarded in New Year Honours 1975.

CHARLWOOD
 Anthony (Charlie)

PO(CD1)

FCDT

26 Jul 68

BEM

CD - See below

Petty Officer Charlwood had been carrying out his duty as a member of the Fleet Clearance Diving Team's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit in Hong Kong during the early weeks of bomb attacks.  On 13th August 1967, accompanied by another rating, P.O. Charlwood was called to render safe several live bombs on a road junction in the Wanchai District. A large and hostile crowd collected, surrounding the ratings, and whilst engaged in preparations to detonate the bombs a grenade was thrown from the crowd injuring P.O. Charlwood in the leg. Although in great pain he insisted on remaining on the site until the bombs had been made safe.

CHRISTMAS
 Patrick

PO(CD1)

HMS Vernon

12 Jun 58

BEM

CD - BEM awarded in Queen's Birthday Honours 1958.

CHURCHER
Colin.

Lt RN

P&MCDT

8 Jan 71

MBE

CDO - See citation below..

On 6th February 1970, the Portsmouth and Medway Clearance Diving Team, led by Lieutenant Churcher, were called in to dispose of a German Ground Mine type GC which had been discovered during clearing operations in the West Warwick reservoir at Walthamstow.

 

These mines are fitted with an outstandingly dangerous combination of actuating and anti-removal devices. Until inspection proves the contrary, it must be assumed that any or all of the following devices are fitted: a magnetic and /or acoustic system, an arming clock "booby-trapped" with an anti-removal device, a 6-80 day timing circuit, and a light sensitive mechanism. The main charge is 1,500 lbs of hexanite.

 

The team arrived on site shortly after mid-day and found the mine completely exposed and resting in about a foot of mud and water. A 1,000 yd radius evacuation of the surrounding area, which contained factories and a few private dwelling houses had already been carried out.

 

Lieutenant Churcher, accompanied by one assistant, made a preliminary inspection of the mine, the outer case of which appeared to be in remarkably good condition. The bomb fuse and primary release were found to be somewhat mutilated, and because of their damaged condition, Lieutenant Churcher decided not to gag or immunise the fuse. The detonator plates were easily removed, and the leads were cut one at a time and isolated. The detonator itself proved relatively stubborn. As it was now comparatively safe, Lieutenant Churcher decided to leave it in place, rather than exert any undue force to remove it.

 

Because of the large quantity of explosive and the nature of the site, exploding the mine in situ was out of the question. As all the detonating devices had being completed at midnight. A further two hours were then spent in filling sand bags with explosive from the mine case and preparing them for burning the next day.  The high degree of personal risk which existed during the period of preliminary inspection, rendering safe, and steaming out, was borne out by the excellent condition of the detonator and' the booby trap arming clock on removal. At 0930 on 7th February the main charge was ignited, burning for 15 minutes, and the fuse pocket successfully detonated. The empty mine case was later removed from the reservoir.

 

Lieutenant Churcher, who was in personal charge throughout this long operation, displayed outstanding skill, coolness and courage, exposing himself to great personal risk. His conduct at all times was in the highest traditions of the Service.

CLARK
 Brian Vincent

PO CD RAN

RAN CDT3 Det 1

23 Feb 68 (to be dated 22 Feb 68)

MID

CD - MID awarded for gallantry during operational services in Vietnam.

CLARKE
 Vaughan Stephen (Nobby)

AB UW*
(Later CPO MW)

HMS Bossington

31 Dec 74

BEM

MW - BEM awarded for Op Rheostat Suez clearance.

COBBY
Peter John Clement

PO

UCWE

28 May 57

BEM

CD (Later CDO) - BEM awarded for gallantry and skill in rendering safe a German mine underwater and in darkness in the West India Dock, London on 26th January 1957.

COGGINS
 John Stephen

Lt RN

OIC Far East Fleet Clearance Diving Team

?

MBE

MCDO - Appointed MBE for clearing Japanese torpedoes from an airfield while OIC FECDT in Hong Kong.

COULSON
Barry Roy

PO(CD)

P&MCDT

8 Jan 71

BEM

CD - BEM awarded for GC mine disposal at Walthamstow reservoir 6/7 February 1970.  Personally assisted the Officer-in-Charge during the most crucial stages displaying courage and devotion to duty.

CROOME-CARROLL
Michael Patrick John

Lt Cdr RN

MCM2

28 Jun 91

MBE

MCDO - Appointed MBE in recognition of service within the operations in the Gulf.  MCM Squadron Operations Officer embarked in HMS Herald.

D

DADD
 John

PO(CD1)

HMS Maxton

31 Dec 74

BEM

CD - BEM awarded for Op Rheostat Suez clearance.

DANIELS
Robert John

L/A/CPO(D)

?

31 Dec 05

MBE

CD - Appointed MBE in 2006 New Year Honours.

DEAN
Robert (Dixie)		 WO(MW) ? 31 Dec 97 MBE MW - Appointed MBE in 1998 New Year Honours.

DICKINSON
 John

Lt RN

Med B&MD Team

28 Dec 51

MID

B&MD - MID awarded in recognition of Operational Minesweeping and Bomb and Mine Disposal services.

DIXON
 Antony (Dixie)

PO(D)

Cox'n HMS Blyth

31 Oct 03

MID

CD - MID awarded in recognition of gallant and distinguished services whilst on operations in Iraq during the period 19th March to 19th April 2003.

DUTTON
Brian Frank

Lt RN
Lt Cdr RN

OIC P&MCDT
CO FCDT 1

29 Apr 75
8 Oct 82

QGM
DSO

MCDO - See below.

QGM awarded for gallantry. Lieutenant Dutton, the Officer-in-Charge of the Portsmouth and Medway Clearance Diving Team and Leading Seaman Brett, a member of the Portsmouth and Medway Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, boarded the Suction Dredger THE SOLENT moored off Felixstowe at 2100 on 3rd August 1974 to investigate a mine which was immovably jammed in the vessel's drag head. The mine, a Ground Type GD, is the most difficult and dangerous to render safe of all the types used by the Germans in World War II. Because of the location and condition in which the mine was discovered, the normal procedure for rendering the mine safe was not possible.

 

After Lieutenant Dutton had organised the evacuation of non-essential personnel from the dredger, he and Leading Seaman Brett commenced the difficult task of removing the mine from the vessel's drag head. The damage to the fuse in the dredging operation prevented identification and normal defusing procedure. Although aware that the fuse might be in a highly dangerous state, Lieutenant Dutton and Leading Seaman Brett continued with the task until the mine was eventually freed, lowered to the sea-bed and detonated at 0205 the following morning.

 

Lieutenant Dutton's skill and calm efficiency and Leading Seaman Brett's courage and devotion to duty during the prolonged operation were in the highest tradition of the Service.

DSO awarded in recognition of service during operations in the South Atlantic. During Argentinean air attacks on 21st May 1982 HMS ARGONAUT was struck by a 1000 Ib bomb which did not explode. The bomb caused extensive damage and lodged between two missiles in the forward magazine where it was also surrounded by damaged and extremely dangerous ordnance. Lieutenant Commander Dutton, as Officer in Charge of Fleet Clearance Diving Team 1 was tasked to remove the bomb. He decided that it was too dangerous to defuse in situ. Instead he took the decision to lift the bomb from the magazine and hoist it overboard. The task proved extremely complex and hazardous requiring clearance of ammunition from the magazine and cutting through sections of the ship's structure. The operation took the team seven days during which HMS ARGONAUT came under further air attacks. The slightest jar or disturbance to the precise lifting angle would have resulted in an explosion which would almost certainly have caused the loss of the ship.

 

In spite of these difficulties the bomb was successfully removed, largely due to the skill and ingenuity of Lieutenant Commander Dutton. He displayed staunch determination, steadfastness and courage of the highest order.

E

EARLEY
 Richard Frederick George

Salvage Diver

HM Boom Defence Depot, Greenock

4 Jun 57

BEM

Salvage Diver

EDMUNSON
 Lee

LS(D)

?

31 Oct 03

QCVS

CD - 

F

FARRELL

Stephane

LS(D)

 Northern Diving Group 25 Jul 08 QCB CD - QCB awarded for attempting to find survivors in