On 17th January 1926 the British cargo ship s.s. 'Clovelly', owned by the Lewis Steamship Company of Cardiff foundered at the entrance to Santa Maria de Ortigueira near Cabo Ortegal in northwestern Spain. She was declared a total loss on 27th January 1926. Originally built as the 'War Fiend' for the Imperial Munitions Board of Canada being a general cargo vessel of 2,129 gross tons. Later in 1919, she was named 'Berenice' and finally renamed 'Clovelly' during 1923 under her new Cardiff owners. [819]

Frederick Charles Reece - Gallantry on Spanish coast - About 3 am on the 17th January 1926, the ss Clovelly stranded near Barra de Ortigueira on the coast of Spain and, despite all efforts to refloat her, remained hard and fast. The weather was dark and misty, with heavy rain and a very rough sea. About 9 am a boat was launched with a crew of five hands in charge of the second officer, for the purpose of taking soundings and running out a kedge anchor, but the boat, on leaving the ship was overturned and the occupants were thrown into the water. All regained the upturned boat with the exception of the second officer and a Malay seaman, who were carried away. Observing them in difficulties, Reece dived overboard from the Clovelly into the rough sea in an endeavour to place a life-buoy within reach of the second officer, whom however, disappeared before Reece could reach him. The remaining four members of the boat's crew, and Reece himself, were rescued by means of lines.

Frederick Charles Reece was subsequently awarded a Sea Gallantry Medal, the Board of Trade Medal for Saving Life at Sea. [820]