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	Gallantry		Gallantry

	Edward Piercy
	Illuminated Address from D.M.A.
	Date:	17 May 1935
	Colliery:	Shotton Colliery
	Occupation:	Miner

 

Ten miners, who at great risk to themselves worked to release a comrade trapped by a fall of stone at Shotton Colliery, were last night presented with illuminated addresses to mark their bravery.

The presentation took place in Shotton Theatre Royal and was made on behalf of Shotton Miners' Lodge.

The men were Edward Piercy, Reay Scott (junior), James Hunter, Benjamin Hancock, Thomas Tipling, George Cole, George Hall, John Hancock, James Lincoln and Edward Anderton.

The man they rescued after several hours heroic effort was Robert Redden, who was caught by a fall of stone in the pit on May 17. They succeeded in liberating him after several attempts.

The chairman of the Miners' Lodge, Mr. George Berriman, presided, supported by Mr. Gordon Henderson, and the awards were presented by the secretary, County Councillor George Thompson.

Mr. Thompson said the officials of the Lodge felt that they could not make these awards in a corner at an ordinary meeting. The risk these men had taken called for something better.

"These men, finding that their comrade was in grave danger, set about to try and liberate him, although their task looked in vain. Never daunting amidst the breaking timber and falling stone, and with great danger to their own lives, they used every exertion to do the task. When at times they were bound to leave him they did it only to return with renewed strength.

"The miner," added Mr. Thompson, "is a hero, and his wife a heroine, for they risk their all to live."

Source: Northern Daily Mail (07 Sep 1935)

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