The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

stuartn · Joined: 13 Dec 2016 Posts: 2551

People may find this IWM blog item about Victoria Drummond – pioneering Merchant Marine sea going engineering officer, first female member of the Institute of Marine Engineers, interesting, for her role in both World Wars

https://iwmvolunteerlondon.wordpress.com/2019/02/13/victoria-drummond-pioneering-merchant-marine-sea-going-engineering-officer-first-female-member-of-the-institute-of-marine-engineers-and-london-borough-of-lambeth-resident/?mc_cid=08ad7b90a0&mc_eid=dd9068d5b0

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2019 9:12 am Post subject:

London Gazette 8 July 1941 Supplement:35214Page:3964

To be Additional Members of the Civil Division
of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire:—
Miss Victoria Alexandrina Drummond, Second Engineer.
The ship was attacked for thirty-five minutes by a bomber, when 400 miles from land, but by skilful handling many hits were avoided.
When the alarm was sounded, Miss Drummond at once went below and took charge. The first salvo flung her against the levers and nearly stunned her. When everything had been done to increase the ship's speed she ordered the engine-room and stoke-hold staff out. After one attack the main injection pipe just above her head started a joint and scalding steam rushed out. She nursed this vital pipe through the explosion of each salvo, easing down when the noise of the aircraft told her that bombs were about to fall, and afterwards increasing steam.
Her conduct was an inspiration to the ship's company, and her devotion to duty prevented more serious damage to the vessel.
_________________
Ken