b. 13/07/1913 Bude, Cornwall. d. 20/12/1941 HMS Kandahar.
DATE OF AM ACTION: 19-20/12/1941 HMS Kandahar.
Cyril Hambly AM
Cyril was born on 13th July 1913, the son of James Frederick and Miriam Hambly (nee Prouse). He enlisted in the Royal Navy and became a Leading Seaman serving aboard HMS Kandahar.
AM CITATION:
When H.M.S. Kandahar was sinking, the heavy seas made it impossible for the rescuing destroyer to go alongside, and she was ordered to lie off and pick up survivors as they abandoned ship. Nets were hung over her side to help those below on rafts, or in the sea, to climb on board. Yeoman of Signals McDowell and Leading Seaman Hambly swam across to the destroyer, but though they themselves had the strength to reach the deck of the ship as she plunged in the heavy swell, with great devotion they chose to stay in the water to help those whose force was spent. In this way they saved many men, until they lost all their strength and were drowned.
BURIAL LOCATION: LOST AT SEA. PLYMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL, PLYMOUTH, DEVON.
PANEL 46 COLUMN 1.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
Acknowledgement:
Carol Pollard – Image of Hambly AM name on Plymouth Naval Memorial.