A naval hero who was shot dead trying to protect his crew from a rogue sailor is to be honoured during a ceremony in Wigan today.
Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux, 36, was killed in April, 2011, as he tried to disarm fellow crew member Able Seaman Ryan Donovan, 22, on board the HMS Astute in Southampton.
Donovan, a junior sailor, had been on a two-day drinking binge before the attack on the on the HMS Astute submarine as it was docked in Southampton, an inquest heard.
Donovan was jailed for life for killing Lt Cdr Molyneux, a father-of-four.
Today, a plaque in Lt Cdr Molyneux’s honour will be presented during a ceremony at Wigan town centre’s war memorial later.
UNPROVOKED ATTACK: Donovan was jailed for life for killing Lt Cdr Molyneux (Image courtesy of The Sun, via YouTube, with thanks)
Councillor David Molyneux, deputy leader of Wigan Council, said: “Lt Cdr Molyneux’s tragic death deeply shocked and saddened the people of Wigan.
“He was clearly an outstanding naval officer, a loving and committed husband and father, and an active member of his local community.
“It is right Ian’s name is included on the cenotaph in his home town in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.”
In 2012, Lt Cdr Molyneux was awarded the George Medal posthumously and last April his widow, Gillian Molyneux, was presented with the Elizabeth Cross, which is awarded to servicemen’s next-of-kin and women killed on duty.
Speaking at the George Medal presentation, Mrs Molyneux said: “On behalf of myself and our children, I wish to express how extremely proud and humbled we all feel to know that Ian’s remarkable bravery has been recognised with such a prestigious award.
“Ian is so desperately missed, but his memory will live on through his four beautiful children and in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.”
WIDOWED: Gillian Molyneux was presented with the Elizabeth Cross last April (Image courtesy of Press Association, via YouTube, with thanks)
The medal citation for her husband said: “Lt Cdr Molyneux, with complete disregard for his own safety, had deliberately made an effort to tackle the gunman, knowingly putting himself into extreme danger in order to try to safeguard others from personal injury.
“His actions were incalculably brave and were carried out in the highest possible service traditions of courage and selfless commitment, resulting ultimately in providing just enough disruption to the sentry’s intent to enable him to be subsequently overwhelmed and disarmed.”
Today’s plaque dedication is set to take place at 12:00pm today, and is expected to be attended by his family, naval representatives and senior council officials.
