Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare East Africa C.G.M. awarded to Leading Stoker James Leach, H.M.S. Thistle, for gallantry at Lindi in June 1917

Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, G.V.R. (K.11874 L. Sto. H.M.S. Thistle. Lindi 11 June 1917) together with 1914-15 Star Trio, all unnamed, not erased; French Medaille Militaire, and French Croix de Guerre 1914-1917, nearly very fine or better (6) £2500-3000

C.G.M. London Gazette 19 December 1917.

‘For conspicuous gallantry during the combined naval and military operations in the neighbourhood of Lindi, East Africa, on the 10th and 11th June, 1917. Though wounded in two places, he showed exemplary conduct in continuing to stand by the engines (the engine room artificer in charge having been killed) until ordered on deck for medical treatment.’

Lindi, a port of German East Africa, was occupied by British Forces in September 1915, but ever since that time had been practically bottled up, the surrounding country being held by the Germans. Lindi does not lie on the coast, but on the northern shore of the estuary of the river Lukuledi, which is some seventy miles north of the Portuguese frontier. In view of operations that had been planned, it became very desirable in the summer of 1917, to clear a larger area round Lindi in order to secure a better water supply and to prepare the main exits from the town and harbour.

With this object in view, the main Military force moved out on June 10th, 1917, and in three days had cleared the enemy from the estuary of the river. During these operations a surprise landing was carried out at a creek on the south side, where the Germans had a 4.1-inch gun which commanded the estuary and had proved very troublesome. This was a combined naval and military operation. Upon the Navy, represented by Hyacinth, Severn, Thistle and Echo, devolved the duty of embarking some 2,800 troops and 700 porters and conveying them to their starting point. This had to be done under cover of night. To reach the selected landing place the heavily laden boats had to pass close to enemy positions. The passage by water started at 1800 hours on the 10th September, the night being dark and the tide being fair.

An officer, Lieutenant Charlewood, D.S.C., of the Echo, led the advance in a motor boat and placed lights, invisible to the enemy, on prominent points as leading marks. Although the Germans appeared to know that there was some movement on foot they either reserved their fire or did not observe the tows of boats passing them. The Thistle and Severn, which were following the boats, were sniped at. The main column was successfully landed by 2230 and by 0600 the next morning had occupied the hills covering the landing. It was not until 0300 on the 11th that the Germans opened fire with their 4.8-inch gun. Their shooting was very wild and caused no damage. The Thistle, which had anchored to superintend and cover a landing, was obliged, by the low state of the tide, to remain stationary, but fortunately she was hidden from the enemy by a thick mist which lasted until 1700.

When the mist cleared away the Germans immediately opened fire on her and after about 20 rounds, scored one hit. This killed an E.R.A. and wounded a leading stoker, also causing extensive damage. The auxiliary exhaust, fire mains, dynamo pipes, and two bulkheads were pierced. The shell, after passing through the ship’s side, struck the after magazine hatch, which it completely broke up. A fire started in the magazine flat, a small confined space with the magazine below it. After the burst of the shell, the flat was on fire and filled with fumes, smoke and steam from the holed exhaust pipe. Mr Mark Methuen, Gunner, followed by Leading Stoker George Pascall and Able Seaman Harry Johns went into the flat and succeeded in extinguishing the fire before any further harm resulted. They all suffered from the effect of the fumes, Mr Methuen having to go on the sick list. When the fire was extinguished, Leading Stoker Pascall went to assist in the Engine Room.

Here he found that the E.R.A. had been killed, but that Leading Stoker James Leach, who was wounded in two places, had continued to stand by the engines although the engine room was filled with steam and water was pouring through the burst fire mains. Leading Stoker Leach persisted in carrying on with his duty until ordered to go up for medical treatment.

The expedition was successful, the enemy being driven from his positions and forced to retire inland. Mr Methuen received the D.S.C., and Leading Stoker Pascall, Able Seaman Johns and Leading Stoker Leach were awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for their conduct on this occasion.