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204523
Captain Thomas Erskine Wardle DSO
Royal Navy HMS Alcantara
from:Derbyshire
Thomas Wardle was my 2nd cousin twice removed, which although seems quite a distant relation, he and my father were very close. He was the officer commanding when the Alcantara was sunk by SMS Greif. He was awarded the DSO for his actions, but some stories say that it was bad seamanship and good luck that bought about the demise of the Greif. The loss of the Alcantara was hushed up, so Thomas was made into a hero.
Thomas was promoted and attached to the Australian squadron for nearly 2 years, and was also attached to the Greek Navy for some time. He was an Admiral by this time, but I'm not sure if this was an honorary rank. I am still trying to research this. On King George's birthday honours list 1926 he was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Bath. I do have a photo of him which I will send at a later date

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