| Accession Number | PUB00945 |
|---|---|
| Collection number | Souvenirs 10 Collection (Autographs and Autograph Books) 2/1/13 |
| Collection type | Published Collection |
| Record type | Item |
| Item count | 1 |
| Object type | Souvenir |
| Maker |
Various |
| Date made | 1943 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Survivors of the "Scharnhorst" 26th Dec 1943
Description
Photographic print/copy of an autographed card of the 'Survivors of the "Scharnhorst" 26th Dec 1943'. Scharnhorst was a German battleship or battlecruiser, the lead ship of her class, and was ultimately sank by the Royal Navy during the Battle of the North Cape on 26 December 1943. Of the 1968 crew, only 36 men were rescued.
The item relates to the service of P/MX 99675 Acting Petty Officer Radio Mechanic Ronald William Colton DSM, Royal Navy. He served on HMS Belfast and was awarded the DSM for his part surrounding the sinking of the Scharnhorst. He later emigrated to Australia after meeting Australians during the course of his service.