George cross recipient. On 14th September 1942, in the Arctic Ocean, on route from Reykjavik to Archangel, Russia, his ship SS Atheltemplar was torpedoed by the U-457. The ship was being abandoned when two men, Mr Broadbent and Mr Ridgewell, were seen floating helplessly in the oily water flooding the engine room. All the engine room ladders had been destroyed, but Reeves used a boat ladder to descend into the engine room and secure lines around them. While they were being hauled to safety, one of the men slipped back into the water. Again Reeves went back into the engine room, which was rapidly filling with surging water, and secured another rope around the injured man. They were all transferred to HMS Harrier. For his actions, James Reeves was awarded the Albert Medal for Life Saving at Sea on 25th May 1943. James attended his investiture at Buckingham Palace on 23rd May 1944 where he received his AM from King George VI. After the war, the Athel Line was rebuilt and Captain Reeves took command in 1949 but had to retire from the sea in 1962 due to ill-health. Thereafter he took a job with Crown Paints finally retiring in 1976 though during this time he was also active in the Scouts becoming District Commissioner in Darwen from 1962 until in 1967 he was promoted to Assistant County Commissioner. He was also a member of the Darwen Civic Society and an honorary member of the Rotary Club.
George cross recipient. On 14th September 1942, in the Arctic Ocean, on route from Reykjavik to Archangel, Russia, his ship SS Atheltemplar was torpedoed by the U-457. The ship was being abandoned when two men, Mr Broadbent and Mr Ridgewell, were seen floating helplessly in the oily water flooding the engine room. All the engine room ladders had been destroyed, but Reeves used a boat ladder to descend into the engine room and secure lines around them. While they were being hauled to safety, one of the men slipped back into the water. Again Reeves went back into the engine room, which was rapidly filling with surging water, and secured another rope around the injured man. They were all transferred to HMS Harrier. For his actions, James Reeves was awarded the Albert Medal for Life Saving at Sea on 25th May 1943. James attended his investiture at Buckingham Palace on 23rd May 1944 where he received his AM from King George VI. After the war, the Athel Line was rebuilt and Captain Reeves took command in 1949 but had to retire from the sea in 1962 due to ill-health. Thereafter he took a job with Crown Paints finally retiring in 1976 though during this time he was also active in the Scouts becoming District Commissioner in Darwen from 1962 until in 1967 he was promoted to Assistant County Commissioner. He was also a member of the Darwen Civic Society and an honorary member of the Rotary Club.
Bio by: Paul Barnett
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See more Reeves memorials in:
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