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British Empire Medal

WHITE, Doyle Clement, Leading Seaman, 44253-H, RCN

Issued: 5-Aug-1967, Canada Gazette

"At approximately 2030 hours on 18th October 1965, while at sea, two explosions occurred in 12 Mess on HMCS Nipigon. The force of these explosions blew the locked cover off a tank containing JP5 helicopter fuel causing a flash fire in the mess. The compartment directly above the Mess contained ammunition. At the time of the explosion there were eleven men in 12 Mess, one of which was Leading Seaman White. Although burned about the face and hands when escaping from the Mess, Leading Seaman White rushed to the Quartermaster's lobby to inform the lifebuoy sentry of the explosions in order that Command could be informed. He then returned to the area of the Mess to assist where needed but when advised that one man who appeared to be unconscious had not escaped from the Mess, immediately donned a set of breathing equipment and re-entered the Mess. The Mess at this time was filled with fumes from the JP5 fuel and heavy black smoke. Freeing the unconscious man, LS White, with the assistance of AS Gray who had just entered, carried the man to the foot of the hatch and then searched all bunks to ensure no one else was trapped. Then, with the assistance of Able Seaman Gray and other crew members, brought the man up to the mortar well on the deck above. LS White then assisted the damage control parties in flooding the JP5 fuel tank with sea water and the removal of smouldering material. Although burned by the initial flash fire, LS White alerted Command, re-entered the fume and smoke filled Mess to rescue a comrade, and did excellent work in a dangerous area which contained an open JP5 fuel tank adjacent to stored ammunition before obtaining medical attention for himself. This fine display of courage in the face of serious injury or possible death, is a credit not only to LS White but also his ship and the Canadian Forces."