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Gallantry | ||
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Awards for Gallantry
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Robert Holder |
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British Empire Medal (Civil Division) | |||
| Date: | 1949 | ||
| Colliery: | Thornley Colliery | ||
| Occupation: | Deputy Overman | ||
Award of British Empire Medal (Civil Division)
Awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil Division):—
Robert Holder, Deputy Overman, Thornley Colliery, Co. Durham (Thornley).
A serious inrush of water occurred at Thornley Colliery when a coalcutter machine holed into old workings. Holder, who was in charge of three cuttermen, was 150 yards away from the face when the inrush occurred. Hearing the noise he tried to return to the men but was met by a torrent of water which swept him off his feet.
The force of the inrush was so great that the roof supports were displaced and the water rose to a depth of five feet. Despite the dangers and in poor ventilation, Holder made repeated attempts to reach the three men, and did not give up until he was exhausted.
Holder had no means of knowing the extent of the enormous inrush of water and showed outstanding devotion to duty in remaining to face the terrifying conditions in an attempt to rescue his fellow workmen.
Source: London Gazette (06 Jan 1950)
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| Researchers | |
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| Researcher | Date | Interest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| james barry gregson | 24 Mar 2019 |
awards for mines rescues |
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