"When the collision occurred, the lifeboat of the Chelmer was called away, but as it was turned in and covered ready for escort duty, some trouble ensued in getting it away, all the hitches of the cover jamming. The cook's knife and a few files were obtained and the cover was soon removed, and the boat lowered.

"About ten to fifteen minutes after the collision the Chelmer's whaler, in charge of Mr Bradford, proceeded to the trawler and rescued three men. On the return of the whaler, the Captain of the Chelmer (Captain Loftus-Jones, VC, Royal Navy) pulled over to the trawler but considered that she was sinking rapidly, and therefore did not go on board.

"The whaler again returned, and was about to be hoisted when a signal came from the Doon that there was a boy trapped on board the sinking trawler. The whaler, containing the First Lieutenant, Mr Bradford, immediately pulled over to the fast sinking ship.

"Mr Bradford sprang on board, rushed to the fore peak, now inky black, and as the trawler gave a lurch, appeared with the unconscious boy in his arms. (The boy, who was coming up the hatch when the collision occurred, had been stunned by a fall.) The gallant officer arrived just in time, for as he jumped into the whaler the trawler up-ended and her bow alone remained out of water. A few minutes later she sank.