Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War S.G.M. group of five awarded to Engineer Sub-Lieutenant W. Clark, Royal Naval Reserve, for his services in helping to extinguish the fires that burned for over five days on H.M.T. Catonia, May 1917

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., silver (William Clark. H.M.T. “Caronia”. May. 1917.) in fitted case of issue; 1914-15 Star (Engr. S. Lieut. W. Clark. R.N.R.); British War Medal 1914-20 (Eng. S. Lt. W. Clark R.N.R.); Mercantile Marine War Medal 1914-18 (William Clark); Victory Medal 1914-19 (Eng. S. Lt. W. Clark R.N.R.) good very fine and better (5) £600-£800

In the latter part of May 1917, while H.M. Transport Caronia was at sea, travelling from Durban to Tunghi Bay, a series of fires broke out in her bunkers, accompanied by serious explosions of coal gas. For over five days the crew endeavoured to extinguish the fires- working in alternate watches they continually risked their lives in their efforts to suppress the continually extending fires, and never hesitated when their turn of this dangerous duty came. The ship’s master was at length obliged to ask for volunteers from the troops who were on board to provide additional assistance. The fires were finally extinguished on 31 May. In attempting to put out the fires, considerable risk was incurred, and the frequent explosions resulted in a number of men seriously injured.

William Clark served as a Boilermaker in H.M. Transprt Caronia, and was presented with his Sea Gallantry Medal by H.M. King George V on 27 March 1919. A total of 30 Sea Gallantry Medals in silver were awarded for this action, 11 to the crew of Catonia, and 19 to the troops on board.