274 - δ FRANK HENRY MASON (BRITISH, 1876-1965)

δ FRANK HENRY MASON (BRITISH, 1876-1965) Self Sacrifice: H.M.S. 'Jervis Bay' in action with 'Admiral Scheer', 1940 Signed 'Frank H. Mason' (lower left) Oil on canvas board 17½ x 29½in. (44.5 x 75cm.) Provenance: H.M.T. Worcester, where displayed until presented to Ian A. Borland, Secretary to Worcester, upon its closing in 1968, and via the family. Anticipating events in Europe, the British Government requisitioned Jervis Bay in August 1939 and rapidly converted her into an Armed Merchant Cruiser, mounting eight [1898-vintage] 6in. guns and two QF 3in. guns for anti-aircraft defence and placed on convoy protection duties. On 5th November 1940, she was escorting an eastbound convoy of 37 ships when, a little after 1700hrs., the convoy was spotted by the German heavy cruiser Admiral Scheer, which opened fire with her six 11in. guns and much else. As the convoy scattered under smoke, Jervis Bay, under the command of Captain Fogarty Fegen, RN, turned to face the enemy and steamed towards the Scheer at full speed to divert attention from the convoy. Almost immediately, a barrage of German shells fell upon Jervis Bay before her own guns could be brought into range and, within fifteen minutes, Scheer had pounded her adversary to a stop. Aboard Jervis Bay there was carnage and, at 2000hrs., she began to sink, although Scheer continued to shell her for a further thirty minutes before she foundered, taking her captain and another 189 men to their deaths. In the event, Captain Fogarty Fegen’s sacrifice saved thirty-one of the 37 ships in the convoy and, for his gallantry in the face of insuperable odds, He received one of the Second World War’s most famous and well-deserved posthumous Victoria Crosses. Framed 22 x 31.5in.