"Mantle" ADM 1/10492

[C.W. 24466 – 1940] Austrey Wood. Rowhhams. Southampton. 25th. July. 1940.

Sir, I beg to request that this letter may be considered as enclosure No. 1., Recommendations of Personnel, to my report Of 12th, July concerning the loss of H.M.S. Foylebank.

1. Leading Seaman Jack F. Mantle. P/JX 139070. This rating was in charge of the Starboard Pom-Pom as A.A.2. when his left leg was early shattered by a bomb explosion. In spite of this he maintained his gun in action. Very shortly after this he received multiple body wounds, but persisted in his bravery and devotion to duty finally collapsing at the end of the attack, two barrels out of four of his gun being out of action. – He was an inspiration to his crew. Mantle most unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. I strongly recommend the posthumous award of the C.G.M. to this rating if such a course is possible.

[C in C proposes VC see letter…(?)]

2. Twenty-four hours after the action I held a short and informal inquiry into the experiences of certain officers and men, and through the ensuing cases cannot be said to have been under my personal observation I feel that a commendation for their services and behaviour has been earned by the following ratings.

Rest of Mantle page citation

A. Leading Seaman Cousins. P/JX 114258. For great coolness and persistence in, after being blown from his .5 M G mounting with his crew, climbing back and again getting his gun in action single handed , the remained of his crew being severely wounded. This Leading Seaman subsequently rescued three ratings, names unknown, from a burning mess deck.

B. Leading Seaman G.W. Gould. P/JX 129812. At the Port Pom-Pom for coolmindedness and persistence and powers of leadership under the most trying circumstances, though his gun was early put out of action.

C. Leading Seaman A.G. Ottley. P/JX 139925.

For general competence and powers of leadership in keeping Y guns in action in extremely difficult conditions, firing some 24. rounds in local control.

D. Acting Chief Petty Officer John Sansom. P/JX 97363. For his cheerful and inspiring gallantry when, with his leg broken by the door of a ready use ammunition locker, he declined