The Baralong Incident Reverse

On August 19, 1915, the German submarine U-27 was in the process of capturing the British steamer Nicosian when HMS Baralong, a Royal Navy Q-ship (a heavily armed decoy merchant ship) came upon the scene disguised as a neutral American freighter and, with the advantage of surprise, fired upon and sank the submarine. Twelve crew members survived, but were ordered shot by Baralong’s captain, Lt. Godfrey Herbert. Once news of the incident broke, the Germans demanded that Herbert and his crew be tried for murder.

The King of England conferring a decoration upon Lt. Godfrey Herbert, captain of HMS Baralong; by his side the Queen, holding a laurel wreath with ribbons inscribed DEN KULTUR KAMPFERN (“to the champions of culture”); around: HEIMKEHR DES SIEGERS (“return of the victors”); in exergue: K.G.