Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War B.E.M. group of five awarded to Leading Seaman G. H. Wardley, Royal Navy, who was decorated for his part in the rescue operations following the explosion of a merchantman in the Port of Bari in April 1945
British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Ldg. Sea. George H. Wardley, LT/JX. 210667 R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, the first with slack suspension and wear to naming details as a result of contact wear, otherwise very fine and better (5) £250-300

B.E.M. London Gazette 11 September 1945:

‘For bravery and devotion to duty in fire-fighting and rescue work after an explosion in a merchant vessel in the Port of Bari on 9 April 1945.’

The joint recommendation states:

‘At 11.55 on 9 April 1945, the S.S. Charles Henderson, which was discharging bombs at No. 14 berth at Bari, blew up with a great explosion. This took place within 400 yards of Navy House and caused widespread damage and casualties. Among Naval personnel alone 10 ratings were killed outright; one was missing presumed killed; 69 - including 15 officers - were injured. The S.S. Charles Henderson herself became a total loss and seven other ships were lost or damaged. Among the damaged ships was the Italian S.S. Lucia C., which was carrying petrol. Fire at once broke out in this ship and volunteer parties were formed to try to save both the ship and her company ... Another party was also formed to aid the stricken ship. This was under the leadership of Skipper Edward Frank Paddision.

At the time when the S.S. Lucia C. was on fire from amidships to her stern, Skipper Paddison managed to pass a tow-line from the vessel to H.M.S. Bream, and to lower the S.S. Lucia C’s starboard anchor out of the hawse-pipe. At great risk to himself he and his party also raised three helpless men from the already smouldering No. 2 hold and lowered them to a waiting launch. He did not abandon the ship until she was well clear of the harbour and every living man had been got away. Skipper Paddison’s party were:

Leading Seaman George Wardley
Seaman Lewis Jesse Jones
Seaman Albert John Platt
Leading Stoker William Frederick Eales

All members of the two parties boarded the S.S. Lucia C. and stayed in until rescues were complete.’

George Howard Wardley was one of eight ratings awarded the B.E.M. for this incident, while his captain, Skipper E. F. Paddison of H.M.S. Bream, was awarded the G.M., in common with the C.O. of H.M.S. Fabius, Lieutenant-Commander J. Lee, who led the other rescue party; also see Lot 1044.