Salute to valour of a very able seaman
HE rescued four comrades from a blazing cargo ship as ammunition in the hold began to explode.
George Stronach’s courage earned him the George Cross – the highest gallantry award for civilians and one of only three given to merchant seamen during the Second World War.
Now the Scot’s award is to be sold at auction in London – along with an archive including letters of gratitude from two of the men he saved and his other medals. It is expected they will fetch up to £140,000.
The blacksmith’s son from Portgordon, Moray, was chief officer on the SS Ocean Voyager, when it was attacked by German aircraft off Tripoli, Libya, in 1943 while loaded with aviation fuel and ammunition. He was knocked unconscious by a huge explosion that killed the captain but recovered and ordered the crew to abandon ship while he looked for survivors.
In total, he spent an hour and 20 minutes on his rescue mission, despite knowing the ship could blow up at any moment. He later recalled: ‘There were two direct hits through the bridge. I was thrown about 30ft. It was a few seconds before I realised that I was still alive.’
Pierce Noonan, of auctioneer Dix Noonan Webb, said: ‘There have been few better examples of such unselfish heroism.’
After recovering in hospital from a back injury sustained during the action, Mr Stronach went back to sea, later becoming a Clyde pilot. On retiring, he spent the rest of his life in Acharacle, Argyll. His medals are being sold by his daughter, who does not want to be named. She wants to give some of the proceeds to charity in her father’s memory.
She said: ‘I am extremely proud of my father. He was a “reluctant hero”. He never spoke about the war, although I know he never forgot it or those of his ship who were lost during the bombing raid.’
She added: ‘It is my sincere hope that whoever purchases this archive will honour all of it and display the items for the public.’