Posted by Steve Huk (no e-mail address) on July 31, 2001.

I am looking for any information regarding a merchant navy Master who was twice decorated during the second world war.

Captain William Turnball was awarded the OBE, London Gazette 6th November 1942 and a King’s Commendation, LG. 20th March 1945.

The citation for the OBE was as follows:

“Twice on the same day the ship, while making an independent voyage, sighted an enemy submarine. The second time it was clear that an attack was imminent. The Master sounded the alarm, and ordered everyone to action stations. The enemy opened fire and the ship replied. Her shooting was so go that she almost certainly damaged the enemy who, when last seen that day, has ceased fire with her main gun. The next morning the submarine was again sighted. The ship opened fire and the enemy moved off and was soon out of sight. It was due to the Master’s resolute courage and seamanship that the ship was saved”

Unfortunately, no date, location or ship details are given, presumably due to wartime restrictions.

The recommendation for the Commendation gives very little detail, simply being for brave conduct when ships encountered enemy ships, aircraft, submarines or mines. However, this time it does provide ship details – M.V. “Ensis” (Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Company Ltd).

Can anyone help with information on William Turnball, M.V. Ensis or a link to the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co archives?

RESPONSES:

Posted by Axel van Eesbeeck gemyala@netcologne.de on July 31.

Hallo Steve

Ensis was attacked for three times

1.) 08.06.1941 by U-46 (the torpedo was a dud)
2.) 04.04.1942 by U-572 and slightly damaged with 20mm gunfire
3.) 29.02.1944 by U-407

Source: Jürgen Rohwer: Axis submarin successes of WWII

Best regards
Axel van Eesbeeck
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Posted by Siri siri@lawson.net on August 07.

You might be able to find some clues as to how to find the archives for Anglo Saxon here

[www.mariners-l.freeserve.co.uk]
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Posted by Terry Whalebone twhalebone@cwtv.net on August 07.

The attack you refer too is recorded in U Boat operations of the second world war , vol2 by K Wynn. This states ' On 4.4.42 (u572) attacked the tanker mv ENSIS with gun-fire 300 miles NW of Bermuda. The vessel was slightly damaged by 20mm shells : I am looking for any information regarding a merchant navy Master who was twice decorated during the second world war.
I hope this helps you, Terry