Crew list of Ships hit by U-boats
Gordon Murray
Merchant Navy (R103626). British
| Born | 11 Nov 1904 |
|
Roster information listed for Gordon Murray
| Ship | Type | Rank / role | Attacked on | Boat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Sithonia | Steam merchant | Chief Engineer Officer | 13 Jul 1942 | U-201 (1) |
Personal information
He was one of the survivors from Sithonia who were in the lifeboat in charge of the master and made landfall after 19 days at Cape Timiris. They were interned by the Vichy French authorities at Sébikotane near Dakar and eventually repatriated to the UK in January 1943.
Award Citation as published in London Gazette on 8 June 1943:
After his ship had been torpedoed and sunk, the Master took charge of one of the boats containing 23 survivors and, after a voyage of 19 days, brought it to land. In spite of many dangers and difficulties only one man died during the voyage. The Chief Engineer Officer displayed outstanding qualities of courage and resource during the boat voyage. The water supply was nearly exhausted when he succeeded in constructing an apparatus for distilling salt water. In fourteen hours, five gallons were distilled thus enabling a fair ration to be maintained. This action contributed greatly to the preservation of those in the boat and his determination and cheerfulness helped greatly to maintain their spirits.
Sources
- The National Archives (T 335/65)
Do you have additional information on this person?
If you wish to add information to this person the following would be helpful (if missing): nationality, name, dob, place of birth, service (merchant marine, ...), rank or job on board specific ship. We have place for a photo as well if provided. You can send the information here.