David Broadfoot, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

David Broadfoot

Scottish naval hero

Date of Birth: 21-Jul-1899

Place of Birth: Stranraer, Scotland, United Kingdom

Date of Death: 31-Jan-1953

Profession: military personnel, radio officer

Nationality: United Kingdom

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

David Broadfoot GC (21 July 1899 – 31 January 1953) was a Scottish seaman awarded the George Cross for his bravery during the sinking of the MV Princess Victoria. He was born in Stranraer, Scotland.
By 1917, he had gained a radio license and later qualified as a ship's Radio Officer.
In this capacity, he served in merchant navy during both World War I and World War II.In October 1950, he joined the crew of the MV Princess Victoria.
He was serving on board the ship on the 31 January 1953, when it sank in the North Channel in the worst maritime disaster in United Kingdom waters since World War II.
Broadfoot remained at his post while the ship was sinking, sending messages to shore stations to enable them to locate the ship.
He was posthumously awarded the George Cross, the highest award for bravery to British civilians. In 1999, his grandchildren donated the George Cross to the Stranraer town museum, where it is now on display along with other memorabilia from the sinking.