David Broadfoot

Who was David Broadfoot?

David Broadfoot GC was a Scottish seaman awarded the George Cross for his role during the sinking of the MV Princess Victoria.

He was born in Stranraer, Scotland and served in the merchant navy during World War II.

He was Radio Officer on the MV Princess Victoria, which sank in 1953 in the North Channel in the worst maritime disaster in United Kingdom waters since World War II. Broadfoot remained at his post while the ship was sinking, sending messages to shore stations to enable them to locate the ship. He was posthumously awarded the George Cross, the highest award for bravery to British civilians.

His grandchildren eventually donated his George Cross to the Stranraer town museum, where it is now on display along with other memorabilia from the sinking.