Lt Cdr Edward Courtney Boyle, Royal Navy

Lt Cdr M.E. Nasmith VC

29169 – Admiralty, 21st May, 1915

THE KING (IS) PLEASED TO APPROVE OF THE GRANT OF THE VICTORIA CROSS TO: LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER EDWARD COURTNEY BOYLE, ROYAL NAVY, FOR THE CONSPICUOUS ACT OF BRAVERY SPECIFIED BELOW:

For most conspicuous bravery, in command of Submarine E.14, when he dived his vessel under the enemy minefields and entered the Sea of Marmora on the 27th April, 1915.

In spite of great navigational difficulties from strong currents, of the continual neighbourhood of hostile patrols, and of the hourly danger of attack from the enemy, he continued to operate in the narrow waters of the Straits and succeeded in sinking two Turkish gunboats and one large military transport.

Medals on Display

Edward Courtney Boyle’s Victoria Cross and other medals are on display in the Royal Navy Submarine Museum in Gosport, Hants.

VC Medal

Victoria Cross

Extreme Bravery

The Victoria Cross (VC) is one of the highest awards British service personnel can receive. It is awarded in recognition of an act of extreme bravery in the presence of the enemy,

It is only equalled in status by the George Cross (GC) which is awarded for acts of conspicuous bravery not in the enemy's presence.