WW2 British Royal Engineers George Medal Grouping For The Battle Of Tripoli

WW2 British Royal Engineers George Medal Grouping For The Battle Of Tripoli. This medal grouping is in excellent condition and comes complete with the George Medal. 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal and the War Medal 1939-1945. The George medal is named to 2014016 Cpl Arthur Phillip French Royal Engineers. French was serving with the 1080 Docks Operating Company RE when he earned the George Medal. Cpl French’s Citation reads “2014046 Corporal Arthur Phillip French, 1020 Docks Operating Company, Royal Engineers, 83 area, Tripolitania Base & L of C.” “During an enemy air attack on the port of Tripoli (L) on the evening of 19th March, 1943, Corporal French went out into the harbour in a Eureka boat during the raid in order to rescue survivors from two ships which had been hit. Both ships were burning fiercely, and one of them “Ocean Voyager”, which was well known to contain large quantities of petrol and ammunition, was showering tracer shells and other debris in all directions. Corporal French, who, from previous operations of shipping fires in other Middle Eastern operational ports, knew that there was every chance of a serious explosion in “Ocean Voyager” (which subsequently occured), navigated his craft, with great courage and utter contempt for personal safety, remaining on duty for many hours until ordered to hospital. His craft was so damaged by falling debris that it was out of action for a week. On another occasion he brought his boat close under the lee of the burning “Ocean Voyager” to rescue five disabled seaman from a raft which was unable to get clear from the ships side. On another occasion during the night, French single handed, brought in ten other survivors, some of whom were seriously wounded. In addition, he performed useful work in the danger area, assisting the Sea Transport Officers.” Cpl French was awarded the George Medal on 27-04-1944.