Petty Officer Stoker HERBERT JOHN MAHONEY

Sto. P.O. Mahoney in 1927 was awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal, which was exchanged for the George Cross in accordance with the terms of the institution of that award in September, 1940. The citation in the London Gazette of 23rd December, 1927, announcing the original award, gives the following details:- H.M.S. Taurus was steaming at high speed when the supports of a turbo-fan fractured, causing the fan to drop and to sever the main auxiliary exhaust steam pipe and several smaller exhaust pipes. Sto. P.O. Mahoney ordered the boiler-room to be cleared at once, but himself remained behind, at great personal danger from escaping steam and flying pieces of metal, to close stopvalves and take other necessary action. By his promptitude and resolute behaviour Sto. P.O. Mahoney, at grave risk to himself, averted what might have been a serious disaster.