"For gallantry, enterprise and daring in command of the force engaged in
the First Battle of Narvik, on 10th April, 1940. On being ordered to
carry out an attack on Narvik, Captain Warburton-Lee learned that the
enemy was holding the place in much greater force than had been thought.
He signaled to the Admiralty that six German destroyers and one
submarine were there, that the channel might be mined, and that he
intended to attack at dawn. The Admiralty
replied that he alone could judge whether to attack, and that whatever
decision he made would have full support. Captain Warburton led his
flotilla of five destroyers up the fjord in heavy snow-storms, arriving
off Narvik just after daybreak. He took the enemy completely by surprise
and made three successful attacks on warships and merchantmen in the harbor. As the flotilla withdrew, five enemy destroyers of superior gunpowder were encountered and engaged. The captain was mortally wounded
by a shell which hit the bridge of H.M.S. Hardy. His last signal was "Continue to engage the enemy"."
From Capt. Warburton-Lee's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on 13 October 1942.
May you be at peace,
Brian
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