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	Gallantry		Gallantry

	John William Austin
	Edward Medal
	Date:	30 Mar 1947
	Colliery:	Hylton Colliery
	Occupation:	Timberman

 

Whitehall, January 24, 1948.

The King has been pleased to award the Edward Medal to John Daniel Charlton, Deputy, and John William Austin, Timberman, in recognition of their gallantry in the following circumstances :—

On the 30th March, 1947, a repairer employed at Hylton Colliery, Durham had been overcome by gas in an old disused road. Deputy Charlton was informed that the man was missing and at once conducted a search, testing for gas with his flame safety lamp. He had gone only a few yards when he found gas present, at the same time noticing ahead of him, some 30 yards from the entrance, a light from an electric lamp. Accompanied by another man he went towards the light but owing to gas had to return. Assisted now by Austin and many other men Charlton endeavoured to clear the air by erecting bratticing across the air intake and extending it down the middle of the road, he coupled air hosing to the compressed air range, but when used this had little effect and the rescuers could get no nearer than 12 yards from the man. Despite the conditions Charlton and Austin, crawling on their knees and at times on their stomachs succeeded in reaching the man who was then alive but unconscious. Whilst dragging him out Charlton was slightly overcome and had to have a short rest, but soon returned to help Austin who in turn collapsed for a time, and was dragged clear. Others finally assisted Charlton to carry the man to fresh air, and it is unfortunate that although given artificial respiration for a long period he failed to respond.

Source: London Gazette (10 Feb 1948)

Email	Researcher	Date	Interest
	ian tully	15 Oct 2010	i am a grandson
	coln austin	12 Jan 2019	grandson

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