Jonathan Rogers (GC)
Jonathan Rogers | |
|---|---|
| File:Jonathan Rogers GC.jpg | |
| Nickname(s) | "Buck"[1] |
| Born | 16 September 1920 Llangollen, Wales |
| Died | 10 February 1964 (aged 43) Off the coast of New South Wales |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom Australia |
| Service | Royal Navy Royal Australian Navy |
| Years of service | 1938–46 1950–64 |
| Rank | Chief Petty Officer |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | George Cross Distinguished Service Medal |
Jonathan Rogers, GC, DSM (16 September 1920 – 10 February 1964) was a Welsh-born sailor and an Australian recipient of the George Cross, awarded for the heroism he displayed on the night of 10 February 1964 during the sinking of HMAS Voyager.
Early life
Rogers was born in Llangollen, Wales, joined the Royal Navy at the age of 18 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for the "coolness and leadership" he showed while serving as coxswain of Motor Torpedo Boat 698 in action in May 1944.[2] 'Buck' emigrated to Australia after the war and joined the Royal Australian Navy, serving in the Korean War.
George Cross
He was serving aboard the destroyer HMAS Voyager when, during exercises, it was struck and sliced in half by the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne. Rogers, along with more than 50 other men, was trapped in the sinking forward part of the stricken destroyer. Making no attempt to save himself, he helped as many men as possible escape through a small escape hatch and, as the compartment sank ten minutes later, was heard leading his trapped comrades in a prayer and hymn as they met their fate, as his citation said, with 'dignity and honour'.[1][3][4]
Honours and awards
Ribbon for George Cross Ribbon for the DSM Ribbon for the 1939–1945 Star Ribbon for the Atlantic Star Ribbon for the Italy Star Ribbon for the War Medal 1939–1945 Ribbon for the Australian Active Service Medal 1945–1975 Ribbon for the Korea Medal Ribbon for the United Nations Korea Medal Ribbon for the Naval General Service Medal Ribbon for the Australian Service Medal 1945–1975 Ribbon for the Australian General Service Medal Korea Ribbon for the Australian Defence Medal Ribbon for the Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal Ribbon for the Australian Defence Medal
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Fifty Australians – Buck Rogers". Australian War Memorial. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "No. 36707". The London Gazette (Supplement). 15 September 1944. p. 4334.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "No. 43604". The London Gazette. 19 March 1965. p. 2797.
- ↑ "Award of George Cross – Rogers". It's An Honour (Australian Government. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 VADM Ray Griggs [@VCDF_Australia] (23 January 2014). "Presenting additional medals to daughters of CPO Jonathan Rogers GC, DSM – now 1 of our most decorated @AWMemorial" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
External links
- "Medals – Jonathan Rogers". Australian War Memorial. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
- 1920 births
- 1964 deaths
- People from Llangollen
- Australian recipients of the George Cross
- Australian military personnel of the Korean War
- Deaths due to shipwreck at sea
- Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (United Kingdom)
- Royal Navy sailors
- Royal Australian Navy personnel
- Royal Navy personnel of World War II
- British emigrants to Australia
- Military personnel from Denbighshire