Certificate of Service for Sydney Charles Ledger

Description
Certificate of service in the Royal Navy for Sydney (spelt Sidney on the original) Charles Ledger. Port Division Chatham. Signed on 3 June 1940 for the duration of the war. The certificate records his home town as Chatham and his date of birth as 8 June 1919. Sydney served on several ships during his war service including HMS Dido from 28 December 1940 to 30 November 1942. He signed on as Stoker 2nd Class and progressed to Stoker 1st Class during his time in HMS Dido.
During his time in HMS Dido he partook in an attack on a convoy of German troops heading to Crete on the night of the 21 May 1941. He later wrote of this attack stating it was the most ‘repellent thing’ he had ever done (see 2014.0016.17_MS.0004). HMS Dido spent most of these years in the Mediterranean Fleet and had to undergo serious repairs in the USA after being hit during passage to the Kaso Strait on 29th May 1941. The ship was in dock at Brooklyn Navy Yard for a few months meaning Sydney and his fellow crew members spent some time in the area.
He went onto be shore based at Pembroke, Marlborough and Victory until assigned to HMS Sabre between 1 January 1944 and 9 February 1944. He was by this time suffering with a sickness and was eventually discharged as ‘Below naval physical standard’ on 17 April 1944.
The record shows his character and ability were assessed as Very Good and Satisfactory throughout his war service.
There is a note in the Engagements section that alludes to a Civil law suit and a allowance credited in ‘lieu of PCG’.
Maker and role
Admiralty: Author See full details