Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea group of nine awarded to Commander G. A. M. V. Harrison, Royal Navy, for his gallantry in rescuing nine members of the crew of the Japanese steamer Ryujin Maru, which was wrecked in heavy seas off Foochow on 4 November 1931; he was subsequently given the command of the Patrol Vessel H.M.S. Kingfisher, and was Mentioned in Despatches for his role in the Evacuation of Dunkirk, completing 5 round trips in 4 days

British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. G. A. M. V. Harrison. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Burma Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, with M.I.D. oak leaf; Coronation 1937; Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea, 2nd small type, silver (Lt. Commander George A. M. Vaughan Harrison, R.N., S.S. “Ryujin Maru” 4th. November 1931.) generally very fine and better (9) £400-500

M.I.D. London Gazette 16 August 1940:
‘For good service in the withdrawal of the Allied Armies from the beaches at Dunkirk.’

The Recommendation states: ‘In 4 days H.M.S. Kingfisher, under the command of Lieutenant Commander G. A. M. V. Harrison, R.N., completed 5 round trips to Dunkirk and the beaches, notable for the quick turn rounds effected at the Home Ports, thus enabling the maximum time to be spent on evacuation duties. Lieutenant-Commander Harrison displayed determination and good judgment in taking an important part in this operation, with conspicuous success. He handled his ship under air bombardment and when cut down in Dunkirk Harbour by a French trawler.’

George Anthony Mayhew Vaughan Harrison was commissioned Midshipman on 15 September 1913, and served during the Great War in the Battleship H.M.S. Thunderer. He was promoted Lieutenant on 15 November 1917, and Lieutenant-Commander on 15 November 1925. Appointed to the Aircraft Carrier H.M.S. Hermes on 30 September 1930, he was awarded his Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea, when, on 4 November 1931, he was among those crew members who undertook a hazardous boat trip in heavy seas to collect survivors from the Japanese steamer Ryujin Maru which was wrecked on the Tan Rocks near Foochow - nine men were plucked to safety; three officers received the Silver Medal, and six ratings the Bronze Medal. The official Admiralty report on the incident states:
‘The prompt and unpanicking obedience to orders on the part of the crew of the cutter is the only reason that the cutter returned in heavy seas with nine Japanese survivors. All the crew are to be commended, especially Lieutenant-Commander Harrison, who sailed the cutter on both trips. He displayed the absolute maximum of efficiency in handling the boat during the whole period. He never shouted, yet he never had to repeat an order, and during the second trip, when the boat was full of water and becoming unmanageable, his handling of her was magnificent.’

Harrison was given command of the Patrol Vessel H.M.S. Kingfisher on 7 January 1939, and served in her during the Second World War in Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk, for which he was Mentioned in Despatches. He transferred to the Retired List on 3 April 1941, and was granted the rank of Commander. He died on 17 June 1978.