The ship in which Mr Chisholm was serving was torpedoed in darkness and immediately began to sink. A fire broke out, which enveloped the bridge in flames, and orders were given to abandon the vessel. She sank within eight minutes. One of the senior officers, who was on the bridge, was badly injured. He was taken to the surgery, where Mr Chisholm immediately attended to him and afterwards, as he was so helpless, helped him to the deck in order to get him away from the sinking ship. Mr Chisholm's efforts were unsuccessful and neither he nor the officer was seen again. Although the ship was sinking rapidly. Mr Chisholm remained and deliberately sacrificed his chance of safety in a gallant attempt to save the life of another.