Charles George Bonner | |
---|---|
Born | Shuttington, Warwickshire | 29 December 1884
Died | 7 February 1951 Edinburgh, Scotland | (aged 66)
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service | Royal Navy |
Rank | Captain |
Unit | HMS Dunraven |
Battles / wars | First World War |
Awards | Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Cross |
Other work | Marine salvage expert |
Charles George Bonner VC, DSC (29 December 1884 – 7 February 1951) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
On 8 August 1917 in the Bay of Biscay, Atlantic, Lieutenant Bonner, now a lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve, was with HMS Dunraven (one of the 'Q' or 'mystery' ships playing the part of an unobservant merchantman) when she was shelled by an enemy submarine. The lieutenant was in the thick of the fighting and throughout the whole of the action his pluck and determination had a considerable influence on the crew. For his actions, Bonner was awarded the Victoria Cross.[1] Ernest Herbert Pitcher also received the Victoria Cross for his involvement.
He later achieved the rank of captain in the Merchant Navy.