Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Honored Allies Wednesday: Jack F. Mantle (United Kingdom)


 
"Leading Seaman Jack Mantle was in charge of the Starboard pom-pom when FOYLEBANK was attacked by enemy aircraft on the 4th of July, 1940.  Early in the action his left leg was shattered by a bomb, but he stood fast at his gun and went on firing with hand-gear only; for the ship's electric power had failed.  Almost at once he was wounded again in many places.  Between his bursts of fire he had time to reflect on the grievous injuries of which he was soon to die; but his great courage bore him up till the end of the fight, when he fell by the gun he had so valiantly served." 

From LS Mantle's Victoria Cross citation, awarded on 3 September 1940.
 
Painting of Mantle's action.

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