The British seamen’s ability to laugh in the face of danger during World War One is captured in the latest story of valour by Wirral people during the Great War.

Birkenhead naval officer William Highton played a prominent part in the securing and beaching of a mine in Cullen Bay in the Moray Firth, Scotland in September 1916.

The operation, aboard the minesweeper St Elvies, was carried out with considerable skill and risk as it was discovered that the mine’s detonator had jammed.

Both mine and sinker were recovered complete enabling the British naval authorities to undertake successful experiments.

The action of the St Elvies crew and fellow minesweeper Glen Usk received high praise from senior naval officers.

Admiral Jellicoe recognised the “ingenuity, pluck and good seamanship shown.”

In a note to the Admiralty Captain L.G. Preston, who was in charge of the Fleet Sweepers, wrote: “The general tone of those present struck me in the light of a picnic party.

And Commander Gervase Heaton, who was in charge of the mine sweepers spoke of “the magnificent work of the individual boats’ crew who, when within feet of the mine, carried out their work jokingly.”

The Admiralty sent a letter of appreciation to the mine sweeper crews.

A naval spokesman said: “Had they been asked they would have stated that they preferred this sort of dangerous ‘picnic’ every day of the war rather than the uneventful monotony which was the main characteristic of their routine.”

Temporary Lt Highton and Chief Petty Officer William Westborough were given special recognition in Commander Gervase’s report.

He observed: “This officer and petty officer never left the mine for a moment and by their recourse and endeavours were mainly responsible for the safe accomplishment of the undertaking.”

Archivist Dean Johnson, who is gathering material for a special exhibition of World War One memorabilia at the Wilfred Owen Story centre in Birkenhead, said:

“This is another incredible account of bravery to go along with so many others."