Jonathan Rogers (GC)

Jonathan Rogers
Nickname "Buck"[1]
Born 16 September 1920
Llangollen, Wales
Died 10 February 1964(1964-02-10) (aged 43)
Off the coast of New South Wales
Buried at Jervis Bay
Allegiance United Kingdom
Australia
Service/branch  Royal Navy
Royal Australian Navy
Years of service 1938 – 1946
1950 – 1964
Rank Chief Petty Officer
Battles/wars

Second World War

Korean War
Awards George Cross
Distinguished Service Medal

Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Rogers GC, DSM (16 September 1920 – 10 February 1964), was awarded the George Cross for the heroism he displayed on the night of the 10 February 1964, during the sinking of HMAS Voyager.

Contents

Early life

He was born in Llangollen, Wales, joined the Royal Navy at the age of 18 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for the "coolness and leadership" he showed while serving as coxswain of Motor Torpedo Boat 698 in action in May 1944.[2] 'Buck' emigrated to Australia after the war and joined the Royal Australian Navy, later in the Korean War.

George Cross

He was serving on board the destroyer HMAS Voyager when, during exercises, it was struck and sliced in half by the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne. Rogers, along with more than 50 other men, was trapped in the sinking forward part of the stricken destroyer.

Making no attempt to save himself, he helped as many men as possible escape through a small escape hatch and, as the compartment sank ten minutes later, was heard leading his trapped comrades in a prayer and hymn as they met their fate, as his citation said, with 'dignity and honour'.[1][3][4]

Honours and awards

Ribbon Description Notes
George Cross (GC) gazetted 1965[3]
Distinguished Service Medal gazetted 1944[2]
1939-1945 Star
Atlantic Star with FRANCE AND GERMANY clasp
Italy Star
War Medal 1939–1945
Korea Medal
United Nations Korea Medal
Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal UK award

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Fifty Australians - Buck Rogers". Australian War Memorial. http://www.awm.gov.au/fiftyaustralians/40.asp. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
  2. ^ a b London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 36707. p. 4334. 15 September 1944. Retrieved 6 February 2009.
  3. ^ a b London Gazette: no. 43604. p. 2797. 19 March 1965. Retrieved 6 February 2009.
  4. ^ "Award of George Cross - Rogers". It's An Honour (Australian Government). http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=1073762&search_type=advanced&showInd=true. Retrieved 2009-03-20.