South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 05 September 1942

British Empire Medal for Mexborough Sailor

The award of the British Empire Medal has been made to Leading Seaman Stanley Wright, of 18, Belmont Street. Mexborough.

Leading Seaman Wright told a “Times” reporter the first intimation he had of the award was that he was sent for by the ship’s Commander and informed that according to Admiralty Fleet Orders this distinction had been conferred on him in the Birthday Honours awards. He saw it later in newspaper reports.

He remembers no exceptional deeds he thinks might have earned him any recognition but an examination of his record during peace and war will probably be a pointer in this direction.

He went to sea at the age of 18, seven years ago, and saw service in many parts of the world. Since the outbreak of hostilities he has been in major and minor actions. He was in the “Hardy” when she made her heroic run up Narvik Fiord, and when she ran aground and the order “abandon ship” had been given he was a member of the famous number 4 gun crew who continued to man their gun until they realised that everyone else had got safely away, when they dived Into the sea and swam the 200 yards to shore. After being greeted and provided with food and clothing by Norwegian peasants they were picked up by a destroyer and brought home.

Leading Seaman Wright was subsequently feted by Mexborough townspeople. His ship, too, was early in the chase and sinking of the “Bismarck,” and he is now spending a leave after sailing with the escort of the convoy which fought its way to Malta three weeks ago.

However, Leading Seaman Wright will admit to no heroism. “We have a job to do like other people. It’s a profession, and we get paid for it,” he said in the matter-of-fact way typical of all ranks of the Silent Service.

Before going to sea Leading Seaman Wright attended Swinton Bridge School, and later worked at Denaby Main Colliery. Serving first in H.M.S. Rodney, he went to another ship before the “Hardy,” and is at present serving in an aircraft carrier.