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	Gallantry		Gallantry

	James Brown
	M.B.E. (Civil Division)
	Date:	1953
	Colliery:	Horden Colliery
	Occupation:	Undermanager

 

St. James's Palace, S.W.1.

17th November, 1953.

The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the undermentioned appointment to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for the following awards of the George Medal, of a Bar to the British Empire Medal, and of the British Empire Medal, and for the publication in the London Gazette of the names of those specially shown below as having received an expression of Commendation for their brave conduct.

To be an Additional Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire:—

James Brown, Under-Manager, Horden Colliery, South Durham Division, National Coal Board. (Horden.)

Awarded a Bar to the British Empire Medal (Civil Division):—

Walter Malt, B.E.M., Ploughman, Horden Colliery, South Durham Division, National Coal Board. (Horden.)

Awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil Division):—

Joseph Lavery, Deputy, Horden Colliery, South Durham Division, National Coal Board. (Horden.)

An explosion occurred at Horden Colliery and three workmen were overcome by noxious gases. Two recovered and informed the Agent, who, with the Manager and the Under-Manager, was making his way towards the source of the explosion. The Agent and Manager made one attempt to reach the missing workman, but had to retreat because of fumes. They were then joined by several other men and made another attempt by a different route. They succeeded in locating the body but were all so badly affected by the fumes that they had to give up and retreat. The Agent collapsed after going some way and the others went for help. The Under-Manager, Brown, who in the meantime had summoned the rescue party, met the rest of the men as they came out, and learned of the collapse of the Agent. With Lavery and Malt he immediately went into the fumes in search of him. On finding the Agent they dragged him some way until they became so exhausted that they had to rest. Whilst Brown and Malt remained with him, Lavery went for help and returned with another workman. With the help of this fourth man they were able to drag the Agent the remaining distance to the fresh air where, with treatment, he revived.

If the determined effort to drag the Agent out of the fumes had not been made he would have died. Brown, Lavery and Malt were fully aware of the foul atmospheric conditions and the risks that they would have to run in attempting to make the rescue.

Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct

Thomas Palmer, Head Wagonwayman, Horden Colliery, South Durham District, National Coal Board. (Horden.) For services when an accident occurred in a mine.

Source: London Gazette (17 Nov 1953)

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