Ajax Veterans Street Dedication: Dorling Avenue

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Description

Street Name: Dorling Avenue
Name of Veteran: William G. Dorling
Rank: Chief Mechanic (2nd Class)
Ship Served: HMS Ajax
Date of Service on Ship: 1939 to 1945
Year of Visit/Dedication: n/a
Veteran or Family Visit: n/a
Veteran of the Battle of the River Plate: Yes
Died at Battle: No

As a mechanic onboard HMS Valiant, William received the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct medal as well as the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal in 1935.

William received the Distinguished Service Medal for his actions during the Battle of the River Plate on December 13, 1939. In the Daily Herald of February 23, 1940 he is described as having been “in charge of the Stokers’ Fire and Repair party near a compartment in which an 11-inch shell burst, cutting pipes and starting fires”.

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