Memorial

Wartime Raid on Dover Harbour

Dover Fireman

Source: Sharky Ward

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Current Location

External Wall, Dover Fire Station, 16 Ladywell, Dover, Dover, Kent, CT16 IDG, England

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Memorial Details

Type of Memorial: Board / Plaque / Tablet
WMR Reference Number: 116700
Description: Rectangular (Portrait) brass plaque with raised lettering and illustration. There is a copy of this memorial in the passenger terminal Eastern Docks Dover between berths 7 and 8.
Inscription: Wartime Raid on Dover Harbour//At 7.45 am on 29th July 1940, the harbour was attacked by 30 Stukas protected/by 50 Messerschmitts. Incendiaries started a fire on HMS Sandhurst, A Royal Navy/supply ship moored next to HMS Codrington, a destroyer sunk in a previous attack./Ruptured oil pipes caused a further blaze which was about to engulf the entire ship./ Dover fireman rushed to fight the fire. A second air raid warning sounded and they/were ordered to abandon ship.// The fire spread, turning the deck plates white-hot and threatening the torpedoes/ammunition and fuel on board. Despite the attack and with a massive explosion/likely at any moment, the firemen returned to tackle the blaze and managed to gain/control after a twelve hour struggle. HMS Sandhurst was badly damaged /but still seaworthy and, a few days later sailed for the Thames for repairs.//Three of the firemen were award the George Medal and six received/Commendations. The medals were among the first to be awarded and were/presented by King George VI at Buckingham Palace on 27th May 1941.//George Medal (3 names)//King's Commendation for Brave Conduct (6 names)//The citation comments, "In a large-scale attack by enemy bombers on/Dover Harbour, all members of the Dover Fire Brigade and Auxiliary Fire/Service did excellent work in difficult and dangerous circumstances"

War MemorialsRegister

Wartime Raid on Dover Harbour

Current Location

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Memorial Details

Commemoration

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Wartime Raid on Dover Harbour

Current Location

Names listed on this memorial

Contribute to the War Memorials Register

Memorial Details

Commemoration

History

Ceremonies

Conservation

Components

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