For the Canadian radio comedian, see Dave Broadfoot.

David Broadfoot (21 July 1899 - 31 January 1953) was the radio officer on the Princess Victoria which sank disastrously in 1953, and was posthumously awarded the George Cross, the highest award for bravery to British civilians.

He was born in Stranraer, Scotland and served in the merchant navy during the Second World War.

Here is the official announcement of his award.

"The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to make undermentioned award :-

GEORGE CROSS.

David BROADFOOT (deceased), Radio Officer, m.v. "Princess Victoria". (Stranraer.)

"Princess Victoria" left Stranraer on the morning of 31st January, 1953, carrying 127 passengers for Larne. After leaving Loch Ryan she encountered north-westerly gales and squalls of sleet and snow. A heavy sea struck the ship and burst open the stern doors and sea water flooded the space on the car deck causing a list to starboard of about 10 degrees. Attempts were made to secure the stern doors but without success. The Master tried his ship back to Loch Ryan but the conditions were of such severity that the manoeuvre failed. Some of the ship's cargo shifted from the port to the starboard side and this increased the list as the crippled vessel endeavoured to make her way across the Irish Sea.

From the moment when "Princess Victoria" first got into difficulties, Radio Officer Broadfoot constantly sent out wireless messages giving the ship's position and asking for assistance. The severe list which the vessel had taken, and which was gradually increasing, rendered his task even more difficult. Despite the difficulties and danger he steadfastly continued his work at the transmitting set, repeatedly sending signals to the coast radio station to enable them to ascertain the ship’s exact position.

When "Princess Victoria" finally stopped in sight of the Irish Coast her list had increased to 45 degrees. The vessel was practically on her beam ends and the order to abandon ship was given. Thinking only of saving the lives of passengers and crew, Radio Officer Broadfoot remained in the W/T cabin, receiving and sending messages although he must have known that if he did this he had no chance of surviving. The ship finally foundered and Radio Officer Broadfoot went down with her. He had deliberately sacrificed his own life in an attempt to save others."

His grandchildren eventually donated his George Cross to the Stranraer town museum, where it is now on display along with other memorabilia from the sinking.

See also

• Hero
• List of disasters
• List of United Kingdom disasters by death toll

External link

• Article in database of George Cross recipients