World War II George Cross Medal Recipient. He was the recipient of The George Cross Medal of Honor for Civilian Bravery. Syme was awarded his medal for bravery on May 19, 1941, to December 25, 1942, while serving as a Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in which he was also a Mine Clearance Specialist. During his 21 months of service in the Enemy Mining Section of HMS Vernon, Lieutenant Syme carried out 19 mine recovery or disposal operations, including five acoustic, eight magnetic and two acoustic magnetic mines. He was also responsible for the recovery of the first and only Type T Sinker. Much importance was attached to his work on this mine when he located and recovered it intact, together with its sinker in November 1942. On that occasion, after removing the mine from the drifter Noontide, he had to insulate the detonator wires without earthing the weapon. This resulted in many painful shocks for him and he also had to operate up to his knees in mud and, at the vital stage, was hanging head downwards in a hole in the mud, so there was no chance of escape if the mine exploded. The information gained from this mine when it was dismantled was invaluable. His citation reads-"The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Cross to:-Lieutenant Hugh Randall Syme, G.M., R.A.N.V.R.for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty."
World War II George Cross Medal Recipient. He was the recipient of The George Cross Medal of Honor for Civilian Bravery. Syme was awarded his medal for bravery on May 19, 1941, to December 25, 1942, while serving as a Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in which he was also a Mine Clearance Specialist. During his 21 months of service in the Enemy Mining Section of HMS Vernon, Lieutenant Syme carried out 19 mine recovery or disposal operations, including five acoustic, eight magnetic and two acoustic magnetic mines. He was also responsible for the recovery of the first and only Type T Sinker. Much importance was attached to his work on this mine when he located and recovered it intact, together with its sinker in November 1942. On that occasion, after removing the mine from the drifter Noontide, he had to insulate the detonator wires without earthing the weapon. This resulted in many painful shocks for him and he also had to operate up to his knees in mud and, at the vital stage, was hanging head downwards in a hole in the mud, so there was no chance of escape if the mine exploded. The information gained from this mine when it was dismantled was invaluable. His citation reads-"The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Cross to:-Lieutenant Hugh Randall Syme, G.M., R.A.N.V.R.for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty."
Bio by: The Silent Forgotten
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