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	Gallantry		Gallantry

	Charles Slack
	Edward Medal
	Date:	02 Nov 1916
	Colliery:	Woodland Colliery
	Occupation:	Deputy Overman

 

Whitehall, 20th June, 1917.

His Majesty The King has been graciously pleased to award the Edward Medal of the 2nd Class to Charles Slack, deputy overman at the Woodland Colliery, Durham, under the following circumstances :—

On 2nd November, 1916, a fall of roof occurred, completely burying a hewer named Richardson. Slack immediately sent for help, and himself started to remove the stone from Richardson, although the roof was still obviously very dangerous. Almost immediately a further fall occurred, burying Slack except for his legs. He was pulled out by two hewers, and, after recovering himself, returned to Richardson's assistance. He worked for about ten minutes, and then told the other helpers to get clear, as another fall was about to occur. He attempted to prop the falling stone up with his back, and by so doing succeeded in canting it off Richardson's head, which was now exposed, but he himself was again buried. Both men were finally extricated after about one and a half hours' work.

Slack undoubtedly risked his life in saving Richardson.

Source: London Gazette (26 Jun 1917)

Email	Researcher	Date	Interest
	Charles Baker	17 Sep 2009	My mother's maiden name is Slack; originally from Chesterfield, where even to this day there is a large representation therein. However, until recently, I have been relocated to the north-east, Haswell, where I found evidence to suggest tenuous links and wish to clarify further. Charles Baker

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