On 4 April 1942 RFA Plumleaf was alongside at Palatorial Wharf, Grand Harbour, Malta when she was struck by bombs and sank.
On 4 April 1942 RFA Plumleaf was alongside at Palatorial Wharf, Grand Harbour, Malta when she was struck by bombs and sank.
2nd Engineer Officer Harry Brain RFA from RFA Boxol, of his own accord, boarded RFA Plumleaf after she had been bombed but before the air raid was over. At the request of the Plumleaf’s Chief Engineer Officer he accompanied him down to the forward cargo pump room, and manipulated trimming and flooding valves while the ship was heeling at a dangerous angle to bring her onto an even keel.
RFA Plumleaf having been raised in 1947
In the London Gazette published on 6 November 1942 it was announced that His Majesty the King had Commended 2nd Engineer Officer Harry Brain for Brave Conduct when under attack by enemy aircraft.
“2nd Engineer Officer Harry Brain can proudly be included in this list of ‘Heroes of the RFA’