In: recognition of his bravery in leading a tugboat crew under the command of Capt. J. W. Hurst, Admiralty Pilot, to the rescue of Passengers and crew of the Jardine Matheson s, Tuckwo which was bombed at Wuhu in December 1937, Chief, Messman Yuen Chang-haig, formerly of HMS. Ladybird, yesterday was presented with the Distinguished Service Medal. by Rear-Admiral Holt, Rear-Admiral Yangtze, aboard H.M.S. Scorpion, flagship.
In March of last year Chief Messan, Yuen was the recipient of a silver shield presented by Jardine, Matheson & Ca. as a mark of appreciation of his gallant act. At the same presentation Capt. Hurst was presented with a silver cigar box and on: March 9 last he received the Distinguished. Service Cross from Rear-Admiral Holt aboard H.M.S.
Scorpion.
"An Example to us All"
Attending the presentation were (many. officers from HMS. Cardiff, HMS. Scorpion and the Naval Offices in Shanghai, In making the presentation Rear-Acmiral Holt stated: "On the occasion of the bombing of the British ship Tyckwo at Wuhu on December 5, 1937, by Japanese aeroplanes, Officers' Steward Ist Class Ah Yuen raised a scratch crew of Chinese for the tug Chenyang and was of the utmost assistance to Mr. Hurst, the Admiralty pilot, in saving life from the Burning ship. His actions were in accordance. with the highest traditions. of the Navy and an example to all, For these services His Majesty the King has awarded him the Distinguished Service Medal."
Chief Messman Yuen's gallant action occurred immediately after Japanese aeroplanes bombed and set fire to the Tuckwo and severely damaged the Butterfield & Swire s. Tatung. Tied alongside the Tatung was the tug Chenyang and although the latter vessel was not sunk in the ratd it was placed out of commission by the fact that the majority of the crew had been killed.
Capt. Hurst then took charge of the tug from H.MS. Ladybird and, displaying great bravery, Chief Messman Yuen rallied together a scratch crew which he took over to man the vessel.
Several trips were made by the tug to rescue survivors from the Tuckwo which had sunk: after catching fire Meanwhile the Tatung was holed by bombs and beached.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.