Unveiled on 12 May 2013 were two plaques
of similar wording, one bronze and the other aluminium. Respectively they are
outside the fire station in Ladywell and in the reception at Dover Harbour
Board.
The plaque reads:
Wartime Raid on Dover Harbour.
At 7.45 am on 29th July 1940, the harbour was attacked by 30
Stukas protected by 50 Messerschmitts. Incendiaries started a fire on HMS
Sandhurst, a Royal Navy supply ship moored next to HMS Codrington, a destroyer
sunk in a previous attack. Ruptured oil pipes caused a further blaze, which was
about the engulf the entire ship. Dover firemen rushed to fight the fire. A
second air raid warning sounded and they were ordered to abandon the ship.
The fire spread, turning the deck plates white-hot and
threatening the torpedoes, ammunition and fuel on board. Despite the attack, and
with a massive explosion likely at any moment, the firemen returned to tackle
the blaze and managed to gain control after a twelve hour struggle. HMS
Sandhurst was badly damaged but still seaworthy, and, a few days later, sailed
to the Thames for repairs.
Three of the firemen were awarded the George Medal and
six received Commendations. The medals were among the first to be awarded and
were presented by King George VI at Buckingham Palace on 27th May 1941.
The George Medal
Dover Fire Brigade
Ernest Herbert Harmer, Executive Chief Officer
Cyril William Arthur Brown, Second Officer
Auxiliary Fire Service
Alexander Edmund Campbell, Section Officer
The King's Commendation for Brave Conduct
Dover Fire Brigade
Harold Thomas Hockings, Station Officer
Ernest Alfred Foord, Fireman
Edward Jesse Gore, Fireman
Auxiliary Fire Service
Arthur Thomas Cunnington, Auxiliary Fireman
Lionel Rupert Hudsmith, Auxiliary Fireman
John McDermott, Auxiliary Fireman
The citation comments, "In a large-scale
attack by enemy bombers on Dover Harbour, all members of the Dover Fire Brigade
and Auxiliary Fire Service did excellent work in difficult and dangerous
circumstances"
George Medal Investiture:
Cyril William Arthur Brown - Ernest
Herbert Harmer - Alex Edmund Campbell