British Empire Medal EIIR with Gallantry rosette (P.O.M.(E) DEREK G. DOIGNIE. P/K 939971.); Navy Long Service & Good Conduct Medal EIIR (K.939971 D.G. DOIGNIE. B.E.M. P.O.M. (E) H.M.S. SULTAN.)
Derek George Doignie was born in Lewisham in 1937 and served in the Royal Navy. He was awarded the British Empire Medal for Gallantry (London Gazette 17 December 1968) for rescuing a Spanish sailor when tanker caught fire in Med 1968. He was aboard HMS Diana as a Petty Officer Mechanic (E) when his act of gallantry was observed. The Fulham Chronicle of 11 July 1969 refers:-
"Proud winner of the British Empire Medal in the recently announced birthday honours list is ex-Fulham sailor Derek George Doignie. Derek, aged 29, went to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday to receive his medal from the Queen herself.
He was awarded the medal for his bravery in rescuing a Spanish sailor when a tanker caught fire in the Mediterranean Sea, in January 1968. He was serving on board HMS Diana and three of his colleagues have also received awards. Derek was born in Fulham and formerly lived at Munster Road until he moved to Waterlooville, near Portsmouth, three years ago. He is married with two children.
He joined the Royal Navy almost straight from school at the age of 17, and, during those 12 years on the ocean waves, he has visited Gibraltar, Malta, Canada - in fact, "you name it, he's been there," his Aunt, Mrs Joan Hurcomb, told me.
The official commendation for the award reads thus:
"On the evening of Saturday, 27 January 1968, at 2030 HMS Diana closed the Spanish tanker BAHIA GADITANA in answer to an SOS that she was on fire and drifting out of control. Initially a fire party of 2 officers and 4 ratings attempted to board the tanker by liferaft in a force 5 wind but the attempt was frustrated by the weather and lack of understanding by the Spanish crew of the tanker.
A second and successful attempt was made at 0745 the next morning.
The fire was situated in the tanker's engine room, and was generating a fierce and intense heat so that the surrounding decks and bulkheads were red hot. The engine room itself was dark, exceedingly hot and full of thick smoke and acrid fumes.
POM(E) DOIGNIE and WHITE, dressed in protective clothing entered the engine room at 1515 behind a protective wall of water. However the intense heat and poor visibility forced them to abandon the engine room after only 5 minutes. A second and more successful attempt was made some 20 minutes later, although the circumstances of this occasion were more hazardous than the first occasion due to the danger of re-ignition and the fact that suction on the fire pump was very uncertain. Had the pump suction failed the engine room team might well have been burned alive.
During the whole of this time the three ratings gave clear and accurate reports which were of the greatest value in directing fire-fighting operations and consequently resulted in the extinguishing of the fire.
The example of their coolness, endurance and application of professional knowledge was and inspiration to all the officers and ratings engaged in fighting the fire which, but for their courage and selfless devotion to duty, might well have resulted in a great loss of life.
The conduct of these ratings on this occasion was in accord with the highest traditions of the Service. They showed great presence of mind, courage and professional skill in tackling a fire in very difficult and dangerous conditions. I commend POM(E) DOIGNIE for his coolness and bravery in this dangerous and uncertain situation."
He was a Postman for over 20 years in civilian life and was awarded his Navy Long Service Medal in 1970.
Medals are in good condition unless indicated otherwise. Sold together with copied research and a framed Commander-in-Chief's Commendation (slightly water damaged)
