Personal info

  • Name: Michael Sullivan KEOGH
  • D.O.B: 15th May, 1889
  • D.O.A: 19th Aug, 1915
  • D.O.D: 22nd Jul, 1983
  • Award: Albert Medal translated to George Cross
  • Occupation at time of action: Chief Petty Officer, HMS Ark Royal, Royal Naval Air Service
  • Book: The Complete History - Volume 2
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Sources & Acknowledgements

Imbros Aerodrome, Turkey 19 August 1915

19 August 1915

More details about:
The First World War 

The island of Imbros (modern Gökçeada) lies opposite the northern coast of the Gallipoli Pensinsula. General Headquarters for the landings was based there and it was also the site of an airfield from which missions were flown over both Thrace and Gallipoli. It was for his attempt to rescue a pilot here after a flying accident that Chief Petty Officer M S Keogh was awarded the AM.

Citation

 The KING has been pleased to approve of the Albert Medal of the Second Class being con- ferred upon Michael Sullivan Keogh, Chief Petty Officer, H.M.S. “Ark Royal,” in recognition of his gallantry in endeavouring to save life as detailed below:– On the 19th August, 1915, an aeroplane, piloted by the late Captain C. H. Collet, D.S.O., R.M.A., was ascending from Imbros Aerodrome, and had reached a height of 150 feet when the engine stopped. The machine was upset by the powerful air currents from the cliffs, and fell vertically to the ground, while the petrol carried burst into flames which immediately enveloped the aeroplane and pilot. Chief Petty Officer Keogh, upon arriving at the scene of the accident, at once made an attempt to save Captain Collet by dashing into the midst of the wreckage, which was a mass of flames. He had succeeded in dragging the fatally injured officer nearly clear of the flames when he was himself overcome by the burns which he had received from the blazing petrol. 

The London Gazette of 14 January 1916, Numb. 29439, p. 624

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