On this day 23 January 1915

RNAS aircraft attack a U-boat alongside the Mole at Zeebrugge.

The KING is pleased to give orders for the following appointments to the Distinguished Order to the undermentioned Officers in recognition of their services.

These Officers have repeatedly attacked the German submarine station at Ostend and Zeebrugge, being subjected on each occasion to heavy and accurate fire, their machines being frequently hit. In particular, on 23rd January, they each discharged eight bombs in an attack upon submarines alongside the mole at Zeebrugge, flying down to close range. At the outset of this flight Lieutenant Davies was severely wounded by a bullet in the thigh, but nevertheless he accomplished his task, handling his machine for an hour with great skill in spite of pain and loss of blood.

For services rendered in the aerial attack on Dunkirk, 23rd January, 1915: To be Companions of the Distinguished Service Order

Squadron Commander Richard Bell Davies
Flight Lieutenant Richard Edmund Charles Peirse

Image of defences at The Mole, courtesy IWM (Non Commercial Licence)