| Gallantry |
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Gallantry | ||
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Awards for Gallantry
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Walter Russell Burnett |
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British Empire Medal (Civil Division) | |||
| Date: | 1953 | ||
| Colliery: | Greenside (Lead Ore) | ||
| Occupation: | Electrican | ||
Award of British Emprire Medals
To be an Additional Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire:—
Cyril Connor, Manager, Greenside Lead Mine, Patterdale, Westmorland. (Glenridding, Westmorland.)
Awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil Division):—
Walter Russell Burnett, Electrician, Greenside Lead Mine, Patterdale, Westmorland. (Glenridding, Westmorland.)
Three miners were overcome by fumes at the bottom of a narrow shaft, 150 feet in depth, at the lower level workings of the Greenside Lead Mine. The accident was reported and Connor, calling for volunteers, immediately went to the head of the shaft. He was accompanied by Burnett. One of the helpers collapsed and Burnett helped to carry him to safety.
It was obvious to Connor from the density of the fumes that it would be hopeless for anyone to descend the shaft without some form of protection and he sent for respirators. Connor remained at the top of the shaft, trying to work the winder, until he was almost on the point of collapsing. He realised that if he did not get out at once he would be overcome and unable to render any further help. He therefore brought all the men in the mine, other than those in the shaft, back to the upper levels. He then collapsed.
In all there were 19 persons, all more or less in a collapsed condition, 2,000 yards in from the entrance of the mine and they could do little or nothing to help themselves. The rescue team outside made contact with the workmen by telephone. Their plight was realised and two men with breathing apparatus volunteered to go in with a train of empty mine cars, provided a driver who knew the road could be found. Although as driver he would be unable to wear breathing apparatus Burnett immediately volunteered.
The operation was successful and the rest of the men were brought out alive.
Source: London Gazette (31 Mar 1953)
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