Graham Maurice Wright GM
The George Medal (GM) was established by King George VI on 24th September 1940, during the Second World War. Its purpose was to honour exceptional acts of bravery not performed in direct combat, with a particular focus on civilians who showed great courage during the Blitz. Both civilians and members of the military serving in non-combat roles are eligible for the award, which recognises lifesaving actions in the face of significant danger. The medal can also be awarded posthumously.
Crafted from silver, the George Medal features an image of
St George slaying the dragon and is suspended from a crimson ribbon accented by
five narrow blue stripes. The first recipients included bomb disposal squads,
rescue teams, and firefighters who worked tirelessly in wartime Britain. Over
time, the medal has also been awarded for heroic deeds in peacetime, such as
during disasters or major accidents. The George Medal remains among the United
Kingdom’s highest honours for gallantry, positioned just below the George
Cross.
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| Graham Maurice Wright |
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| South Wales Evening Post |
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| London Palladium theatre |
On 10th May 1941, at the height of the Blitz, a German parachute mine penetrated the roof of the London Palladium theatre and became lodged in the roof space above the stage. The building was promptly evacuated, as the presence of the unexploded device posed a significant risk to both the theatre and adjacent properties on Argyll Street.
Royal Navy bomb disposal officer Sub-Lieutenant Graham Maurice Wright
was assigned to deal with the situation. Working above the stage in confined
conditions, he removed the fuses and rendered the mine safe. This action
prevented an explosion in central London.
Graham Maurice Wright was born in 1912, was the youngest son
of Frank Ernest Cooper Wright and Lily Apnes Key. They were married in Leaminton Priors,
Warwickshire, during 1904.
At the time of the 1911 census, Frank and Lily were living
at 65 King Edwards Road.
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| 1911 Census |
Frank, aged 37, was a Sea Pilot was employed by the Swansea
Harbour Trust, and Lily, aged 31. Both of
whom were born in Leamington. Their children
were
Arthur, aged 3; Ada, aged 2, and Ethel, aged 9 months.
Also present at the property visitor, Sarah Key, aged 53,
who was Lily’s mother.
Nathaniel Key, aged 24, who was a Police Constable, having been
employed by the Swansea Borough Police, and Fanny Key, aged 26. They were boarders at the property, and they
had been only married for 6 weeks at the time of the census.
During the First World War, Frank served with the Merchant Navy.
At the time of the 1921 census, Frank and Lily had moved to
30 Lensington Crescent.
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| 1921 Census |
Frank, aged 49, was a Sea Pilot was employed by the Swansea
Harbour Trust, and Lily, aged 41. Their children
were
Arthur, aged 13; Ada, aged 12; Ethel, aged 10, and Graham,
aged 8, who all attended school.
Also present was Sarah Key, aged 64, the widowed mother-in-law;
Ada Key, aged 38, a shop assistant, sister-in-law, and 7-year-old niece Vera
Berry.
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| 1939 Register |
The 1939 Register records that both Frank and Lily are residing at 80 Dunraven Road.
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| 1939 Register |
Graham at the same time, is living with his aunt, Ada, at 11
Aylesford Road, Royal Leamington Spa.
Graham’s occupation is recorded as Insurance Agent.
Whilst residing in Leamington Spa, Graham, volunteered for
the Navy, and joined the D.E.M.S. in 1940.
The following year, Graham, married Margaret R. Humphreys.
Graham would lose his life on the 19th of August
1941, whilst on board S.S. Aguila.
The S.S. Aguila was a 3,255-ton passenger and cargo vessel operated by the
Yeoward Line, typically serving routes between Liverpool and the Canary
Islands. During the Second World War, the ship was repurposed for military
transport. On 13th August 1941, it departed Liverpool as part of
Convoy OG 71 en route to Gibraltar, carrying crew, civilian passengers,
and military personnel. This included 22 members of the Women's Royal Naval
Service (WRNS) assigned to postings in Gibraltar, along with Royal Navy
sailors, army personnel, and civilians.S.S. Aguila
During the Battle of the Atlantic,
German U-boats targeted convoys in the North Atlantic. On 19th August
1941, while in the Bay of Biscay, U-201, commanded by Kapitänleutnant Adalbert
Schnee launched a torpedo at Aguila, resulting in an explosion that caused the
vessel to sink rapidly. Of approximately 238 people on board, about 60
survived; more than 150 individuals died, including all 22 Wrens, which was the
largest single wartime loss for the service.
The disaster significantly
affected public sentiment. The Aguila Wren Fund was created to honour the
Wrens, raising funds for the sloop H.M.S. Wren and naval charities.
Today, S.S. Aguila's loss is remembered at naval memorials in Portsmouth,
Liverpool, and WRNS events, highlighting the risks faced by all who served.
In October 1943, the King, King
George VI, presented Sub-Lieutenant George Wright to his widow, Mrs. Rhona
Wight, who was accompanied by her father-in-law, Captain Frank Wright.
The London Gazette,
published on 9th June 1942, contains the citation.
“The KING has been graciously
pleased to approve the award of the British Empire Medal (Military Division),
for coolness and bravery, to: … Temporary Sub-Lieutenant Graham Maurice Wright,
R.N.V.R.”
Graham Maurice Wright’s name is commemorated
on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.Graham Maurice Wright
Portsmouth Naval Memorial
credit - findagrave
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