Petty Officer Thomas Gould VC

Submariners don't, as a rule, receive medals. We operate silently, with no fanfare or recognition. We wear Dolphins, and that says all.

There are exceptions, including 14 recipients of the Victoria Cross.

In 1942 while serving aboard HMS/M Thrasher, PO Tommy Gould, along with the First Lieutenant, successfully removed unexploded bombs lodged in the casing. He knew well that the bombs could explode at any time and that if aircraft returned, the submarine would have to dive, taking him with it.

The men were both awarded the Victoria Cross.

Tommy Gould was from Dover, and a plaque has been unveiled on the Maison Dieu in Dover to commemorate his bravery.