The London Gazette Issue 34924 Published 16 August 1940

The King has been graciously pleased to approve the grant of the Victoria Cross to Lieutenant Richard Been Stannard R.N.R, HMS Arab,for outstanding valour and singal devotion to duty at Namsos.

When enemy bombing attacks had set on fire many tons of hand grenades on Namsos wharf, with no shore water supply available Lt Stannard ran Arabs bows against the wharf and held her there. Sending all but 2 of his crew aft, he then endeavoured for two hours to extinguish the fire with hoses from the forecastle. He persisted in his work till the attempt had to be given up as hopeless. after helping other ships against air attacks, he placed his own damaged vessel under shelter of a cliff, landed his crew and those of two other trawlers, and established an armed camp. Here those of duty could rest while he attacked enemy aircraft which approached by day, and kept anti-submarine watch during the night. When another trawler near-by was hit and set on fire by a bomb, he, with two others, boarded Arab and moved her 100 yards before the other vessel blew up. Finally when leaving the fjord, he was attacked by a German bomber which ordered him to steer East or be sunk. He held on his course, reserved his fire till the enemy was within 800 yards and then brought the aircraft down. throughout a period of five days Arab was subjected to 31 bombing attacks and the camp and Lewis gun positions ashore were repeatedly machine-gunned and bombed; yet the defensive position was so well planned that only one man was wounded. Lieutenant Stannard ultimately brought his damaged ship back to an English port. His continuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy was magnificent and his enterpriseand resource not only caused losses to the Germans but saved his ship and many lives.

To be a Companion of the Distinguished Service order.

Sub-Lieutenant Ernest Thomas Lees R.A.N.V.R H.M.S Arab.

The Conspicuous Gallantry Medal

Second Hand David George Spindler R.N.R H.M.S Arab

For bravery and devotion to duty in certain of H.M Trawlers employed on the coast of Norway:

The Distinguished Service Medal

Mr James Nicholson 2nd Engineer R.N.R H.M.S Arab

Seaman Charles Newman R.N.R H.M.S Arab

Mention in Despatches

Seaman Charles Hossack R.N.R H.M.S Arab

Mention in Despatches

Acting Lieutenant Commander Richard Been Stannard, V.C., R.N.R., H.M.S. Arab

Temporary Lieutenant Clement Archibald Shillan, R.N.V.R., H.M.S. Arab

Acting Second Hand Arthur Batty, R.N.R., X.2H05A, H.M.S. Arab.

Signalman John Russell Wiggins, R.N.V:R.,C/LD/X.559I, H.M.S. Arab