George Cross awarded posthumously to Bombardier Henry Herbert Reed, Royal Artillery, 23 September 1941

Bombardier Reed of the Royal Artillery was on board the merchant ship SS 'Cormount' on 20 June 1941, when it came under heavy attack from enemy E-Boats and aircraft.

During the attacks an air-launched torpedo hit the 'Cormount'. Reed, although seriously wounded in the stomach while manning an anti-aircraft gun, carried the injured chief officer from the damaged bridge, down two ladders to the deck below to safety. Bombardier Reed died of his wounds and was awarded the George Cross (GC) for his 'gallant and utterly selfless action'. In addition, Bombardier Reed was posthumously awarded Lloyd's War Medal for Bravery at Sea, the 1939-1945 Star and the British War Medal 1939-1945.