Able Seaman Morris Richard Ellis AM 60 Years

 

 

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Just over sixty years ago, on the 4-July-1950, an Able Seaman on the RFA Wave Commander gave his life to save the life of the ship’s Bosun during tank cleaning while the ship was off the coast of Portugal. 

Morris Ellis hailed from Anglesey. He was a single man and had been brought up by his relatives after the deaths of his parents. 

Able Seaman Morris Ellis was posthumously awarded the Albert Medal on 23rd January 1951. 

The citation for the award says: – 

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“On 4 July 1950 during tank cleaning on RFA Wave Commander the Bosun entered
No 6 tank to complete cleaning by hose. The nozzle dropped from the hose into the tank and the Bosun descended to try and locate it. He was three-quarters of the way up the ladder when he was overcome by gas. Able Seaman Ellis immediately went to his assistance and managed to lash the Bosun to the ladder with a rope passed down to him. Able Seaman Ellis, who was well aware of the danger and risk involved, was himself overcome by gas, lost his grip of the ladder and fell to the bottom of the tank and was killed. Able Seaman Ellis gave his life to save the Bosun and largely through his prompt action the Bosun was brought on deck and recovered” 

The medal was presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to Able Seaman Ellis’ next of kin at Buckingham Palace following the death of her father King George VI.

 

Able Seaman Morris Ellis AM was buried at North Front Cemetery, Gibraltar.

To see an image of his grave and the actual medal he was awarded click here 

In 1971 the award of the Albert Medal was discontinued and all living recipients were invited to exchange their awards for the George Cross.