164 :: Rare Longines C.O.S.D. British Military Paratroopers 'Tuna Can' gentleman's wristwatch, circa 1940s, silvered dial with black Arabic numerals, inner red 24 hour chapter, luminous markers within outer tracking, military arrow, signed gilt cal. 12.68N 16 jewel manual wind movement, no. 6990xxx, nickel plated case with fixed bars, original crown, Company Ordnance Supply Depot issue markings 'C.O.S.D. 2340', expanding bracelet, 36mm (requires repair) - ** This watch was inherited by a former Royal Navy Engineer Officer from Mrs Jean Harris, the widow of the original owner in 1944, Captain N H Harris MBE MN following his death in 1976. - ** Captain N H Harris MBE MN was the Second Officer of the SS Fort Stikine, an armed merchant Liberty Ship. On 14 April 1944, the ship, carrying a mixed cargo of cotton bales, timber, oil, gold, and ammunition including around 1,400 tons of explosives with an additional 240 tons of torpedoes and weapons as well as two Spitfires, caught fire in Bombay harbour and was destroyed in two massive explosions. This resulted in the sinking of a further 11 ships in the vicinity and vast devastation in the city surrounding the port area. Some 800-1300 people were killed and 80,000 made homeless in consequence. For his actions in trying to control the fire and subsequently to minimise the impact of the coming explosion, Mr Harris was awarded the Lloyds of London Silver Medal for Meritorious Service. Quite how he survived the incident is beyond comprehension.