Jonathan Rogers, (16 September 1920 – 10 February 1964) was a Welsh-born sailor and an Australian recipient of the George Cross, awarded for the heroism he displayed on the night of 10 February 1964 during the sinking of HMAS Voyager (D04).

Early life

Rogers was born in Llangollen, Wales, joined the Royal Navy at the age of 18 and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for the "coolness and leadership" he showed while serving as coxswain of Motor Torpedo Boat 698 in action in May 1944. 'Buck' emigrated to Australia after the war and joined the Royal Australian Navy, serving in the Korean War.

George Cross

He was serving aboard the destroyer HMAS Voyager (D04) when, during exercises, it was struck and sliced in half by the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne (R21). Rogers, along with more than 50 other men, was trapped in the sinking forward part of the stricken destroyer. Making no attempt to save himself, he helped as many men as possible escape through a small escape hatch and, as the compartment sank ten minutes later, was heard leading his trapped comrades in a prayer and hymn as they met their fate, as his citation said, with 'dignity and honour'.

Honours and awards

UK George Cross ribbon.svg UK Distinguished Service Medal ribbon.svg 39-45 Star BAR.svg Atlantic Star w clasp BAR.svg Italy Star BAR.svg War Medal 39-45 BAR.svg Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 ribbon.png Korea Medal.svg United Nations Service Medal Korea ribbon.svg Naval General Service Medal 1915 BAR.svg Australian Service Medal 1945-1975 ribbon.png AGSMK Ribbon.png Australian Defence Medal (Australia) ribbon.png Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (UK) ribbon.png Pingat Jasa Malaysia ribbon.png