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British Empire Medal

FYFFE, George Miller, A/LSmn (DG), V-6443, RCNVR, SS Lady Drake

Issued: 5-Jan-1946, Canada Gazette

"This Officer, prior to receiving his commission, served as a Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship's Gunlayer, and was at sea almost continuously for three years. He was twice torpedoed, once on the S.S. Lady Drake in May 1942, off Algiers, on the S.S. Ocean Vanquisher in December, 1942, also off Algiers. The Ocean Vanquisher was saved largely through the efforts of the Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship's gunners aboard under direction of this gunlayer. During his service as gunlayer aboard several Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships, he displayed an exceptional ability to take charge and to gain confidence of those working with him."

Note: The citation is wrong. The S.S. Lady Drake was not torpedoed off Algiers but was torpedoed by U-106 190 miles North of Bermuda (35-43N, 64-43W) at about 2100 hours 04 May 1942. Six passengers and six crew were killed; the other 260 / 274 passengers / crew made away safely in 5 boats and were picked up 3 days later by an American minesweeper. Reference Blatherwick.net