The QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the Posthumous award of the
Distinguished Service Medal
to the undermentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during
operations in the South Atlantic:
Distinguished Service Medal
Petty Officer Marine Engineering Mechanic (M) David Richard BRIGGS D1348157
On 4th May 1982, HMS SHEFFIELD was struck by an Exocet missile fired by an Argentine aircraft.
Petty Officer Marine Engineering Mechanic Briggs was in the vicinity of the After Section Base and set in motion the initial fire-fighting effort.
He then moved forward to his action station at the Forward Section Base but at this stage personnel were being evacuated from this area on to the forecastle.
However, he led his team back to recover important equipment which was necessary to continue the fire-fighting operation.
Unable to wear breathing equipment due to restricted access through a hatch, Petty Officer Marine Engineering Mechanic Briggs and his team re-entered the smoke filled forward section.
In conditions of increasing smoke and almost no visibility Petty Officer Marine Engineering Mechanic Briggs made several journeys to the Forward Section Base to pass out much valuable equipment.
Sadly on the last attempt he was overcome by smoke and rendered unconscious, subsequent attempts to revive him proving unsuccessful.
Petty Officer Marine Engineering Mechanic Briggs demonstrated leadership, bravery and devotion to duty in trying to save his ship.
