Page 64 - Greystones Archaeological Historical Society

THE ACCIDENT THAT TIME FORGOT

The George Cross ranks next in
importance to the Victoria Cross, and is
primarily intended for civilians engaged
in operations not in the presence of the
enemy. Instituted in 1940, 161 George
Crosses have been awarded, 47 since
1947; 85 have been awarded
posthumously. None of the MV
Princess Victoria’s officers survived the
sinking.

The 60 Anniversary
th
th
January 2013 was the 60
anniversary of the loss of the MV Princess Victoria with all those
who were lost on her being remembered in commemoration
ceremonies held in Stranraer, Larne, Portpatrick, and
Donaghadee.

In 1999, shortly before his death, Bill Broadfoot, David
Broadfoot’s son, presented his father’s George Cross to
Stranraer Museum where it is currently on display. Present at the
handing over ceremony was Jim Ferguson, son of Captain
James Ferguson. In a short address Bill Broadfoot said:

‘The medal has come home as Stranraer deserves the
honour … My father was not the only brave man that day and
it is appropriate that future generations can look at the medal
and say that he was one of them.’

Asked why he decided to give the medal to the museum, Bill
Broadfoot said:

‘The George Cross had significance beyond family pride.
People have asked me why I gave it away. It is our pride but

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