Thomas William Gould, VC was a Royal Navy sailor and a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He was one of three Jewish recipients of the Victoria Cross in the Second World War.
Damage to the casing of HMS Thrasher after two bombs struck her off Crete on the night of 15/16 February 1942. A – where bomb penetrated the gun platform. A1 – the position where the bomb was discovered inside the casing. B – Position where the second unexploded bomb was discovered lying on the casing; the bomb is represented by the tin can. C – Gould stands in the casing-hatch through which bomb from A1 was dragged.
Medals of Gould displayed in the Jewish Museum London (Victoria Cross left)
HMS Thrasher (N37) was a T-class submarine of the Royal Navy. She was laid down by Cammell Laird & Co Limited, Birkenhead, launched in November 1940, and had an active career in the Mediterranean and Pacific Far East.
HMS Thrasher underway
Image: Hms thrasher n 37 submarine badge
Damage to the casing of HMS Thrasher after two bombs struck her off Crete on the night of 15–16 February 1942. Neither exploded and both were removed by two members of the crew (IWM A8710)
