Navy Hero's Unmarked Grave Gets New Headstone

The unmarked grave of a Royal Navy hero has been given a new headstone.

The resting place of George Niven, who served in both World War One and Two, was found by historians in Birmingham's Yardley Cemetery.

The sailor was awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal in recognition of his bravery while on board HMS Devonshire in July 1929.

The vessel was testing her main guns while off the Greek island of Skiathos, when a misfire caused a large explosion, killing or seriously injuring all but one sailor inside the turret.

George Niven was one of the first two men to respond, entering into the wrecked turret to rescue survivors as cordite explosive charges burned on board.

When a junior officer went further down into the ship, George went with him, vowing: “I am not going to let him go down alone," before remaining below deck checking if anyone else needed assistance.

All 18 men who died in the incident are commemorated at Plymouth's Stonehouse Barracks.

Both George Niven and the Midshipman Anthony Cobham were awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal for their bravery - an award that would later be replaced with the George Cross.

George would go on to serve in the Royal Navy throughout the Second World War, before dying in Birmingham in 1947, aged 49.

Seventy-three years later, former soldier Steve Davies was restoring war gravestones when he came across the unmarked resting place.

Working with VC historian Mark Green, the VC and GC Association, Birmingham City Council and local stonemasons, he is now ensuring that Niven’s resting place is officially marked.

After the coronavirus pandemic, the grave will be officially dedicated in the presence of serving sailors and Royal Marines.

Cover image: Picture: Royal Navy.