WWII DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL TO C.P.O. TEL. E.J. CORNFORD, H.M.S. SUAMAREZ (FOR SINKING OF THE SCHARNHORST)

Distinguished Service Medal Gazetted 7 Mar 1944:

"For gallantry, distinguished service and devotion to duty on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet, and in H.M. Ships Duke of York, Belfast, Norfolk, Sheffield, Jamaica, Savage, Saumarez, Scorpion, Musketeer, Matchless, Virago and Opportune during the action in which the Scharnhorst was engaged and sunk."

Edward John Cornford was born in Canterbury, Kent on 9 Oct 1902 and worked as a Bookstall Keeper before entering the Royal Navy as Boy Telegraphist from 19 Nov 1918.

Serving aboard H.M.S. Saumarez on 26 Dec 1943, Cornford's award of the D.S.M. appears under the award of P/O. F.W.J. Wilkes' Conspicuous Gallantry Medal with the following citation:

"On the 26th December, 1943, when his ship, H.M.S. Saumarez, was being heavily engaged by the Scharnhorst, sprayed by splinters, and members of his torpedo tube's crew were killed or wounded, Petty Officer Wilkes, Torpedo Gunner's Mate, by his leadership, coolness and splendid example ensured the firing of the torpedoes."