Pictured below are the five sons of Mr and Mrs George Patience, late of 30 High Street, Avoch, who served in the First World War. From left to right are Simon Patience RNR, James Patience RNR, William Patience RNR (drowned), Donald Patience on War Service, and Sgt George Patience 1/4th Seaforth (killed in action).
Simon Patience DSM was a Senior Gunner on an armed merchantman, which encountered a submarine off Donegal Head on 6th June 1917.
Firing at full range, Simon’s last two shots disabled the submarine which was escorted into harbour.
For this feat, Simon was awarded the DSM.
Simon was later on a ship in the Mediterranean which was twice hit by torpedoes.
While on convoy to Russia, the ship he was in was shelled by a submarine. Using his skill and experience, Simon soon got the range and sank the submarine with three rounds. For this he was mentioned in despatches.
