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Award of the D.S.C. to Lieut .Commander F.J.C .Halalian, R.., in connection with an incident at Bias Bay, China, in October, 1927. (submitted by the Admiralty).
# IFMD
At 2010 on the 20th October, 1927, H.M.Submarine "L.4" (Lieutenant F.J.C.Halahan, R.. (now Lieutenant-Commander) in command), sighted the s.s. "IRED" (China Merchants' Steam Navigation Co.) entering Bias Bay with lights darkened. Suspecting that she was in the hands of pirates, "L.4" ordered the vessel to stop. This order was not obeyed and a blank round was fired without result. A shell was fired across the "1RENE'S" bows, and she then altered course and proceeded at full speed. Two H.. shells were next fired, which however did not stop her. By this time "L.4" was herself under fire from men on the IRENE" The latter continued at full speed and tried to escape, but after skilful manoeuvring the "1.4" was able to fire two shells which hit the vessel and slowly brought her to a standstill. By this time, about 2045, the "I was on fire and blazing furiously. The submarine went alongside, after first picking up several men who had jumped overboard. The first man picked up was evidently a pirate, as a clip of pistol ammunition from which two rounds had been used was found on him. L.4" then proceeded to embark passengers and crew. This operation was extremely difficult on account of the considerable swell and the fact that it was not possible to get lines out. Panic had developed among the Chinese on board the steamer, and it was impossible to control thom. Aft er ensuring that the ship was cleared as far as the fire would permit, "L.4" picked up some more men from the water, and then sent a party on board the "IR" to anchor her with a view to checking the spread of fire, and preventing her drift ing.
In all, six European officers and 226 Chinese, including 3 pirates, were rescued by the "L.4.'
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The action taken by Lieutenant-Commander Halahan was strictly in accordance with the instructions given to him, and was correct in every detail. The Admiralty consider that great credit is due to him for the courageous manner in which he handled a difficult situation. The rescue of so many persons by an individual submarine is remarkable, particularly in view of the dangerous circumstances in which it was effected.
The Admiralty consider that Lieutenant-Commander Halahan's services merit special recognition and that the award of the D.S.C. would be in every way the most suitable.
No other awards are proposed in respect of this incident . Three members of the crew of "1.4" have been awarded silver medals and tostimonials by the Royal Humane Society for Pescuing Chinese from drowning.
Admiralty.
May, 1929.
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