| Gallantry |
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Gallantry | ||
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Awards for Gallantry
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George Lofthouse |
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Edward Medal | |||
| Date: | 04 Aug 1914 | ||
| Colliery: | Wingate Quarry | ||
| Occupation: | Quarryman | ||
Award of Edward Medal
Whitehall, July 14, 1915.
His Majesty The King has been pleased to award the Edward Medal of the Second Class to George Lofthouse under the following circumstances :—
On the 4th of August, 1914, blasting operations were in progress at the bottom of a pit at Wingate, County Durham, 21 feet deep. The morning shift had fired three charges of gunpowder (between 30 and 40 pounds) at the bottom of the pit, and, when a man belonging to the afternoon shift was let down in a kibble or tub at 12.30, he was overcome by the fumes. His mate at the top shouted for assistance, and Lofthouse, who was not concerned in the operations in the pit, but was working some distance away, immediately ran to the pit and went down the rope to attempt a rescue. He got hold of the man and signalled to be raised, but, almost as soon as the kibble was lifted, both men fell out. Those at the top swung the kibble to and fro in order to clear away the fumes, and eventually, about 1.15, both men were brought out. Artificial respiration was resorted to; Lofthouse did not regain consciousness until two hours later, and the other man could not be revived.
Lofthouse was experienced in the use of explosives and knew the danger of descending into the fumes, and his action was, therefore, extremely courageous.
Source: London Gazette (16 Jul 1915)
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