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	Gallantry		Gallantry

	Eli Purser
	Edward Medal
	Date:	31 May 1917
	Colliery:	Askern Main Colliery, Yorkshire
	Occupation:

 

Whitehall, 17th January, 1918.

His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Edward Medal to ...

Also the Edward Medal in silver to George Henry Taylor and Thomas Stokes, and the Edward Medal to Thomas James White and Eli Purser, under the following circumstances:—

On the 31st May, 1917, an accident occurred at the Askern Main Colliery, Yorkshire.

Two men were trapped by a fall of roof weighing about thirty tons, and extending over an area of about 160 square feet — one of them completely buried near the edge of the fall, and the other was partially buried and severely injured. Eight of their fellow-workmen were soon on the spot, and after working bravely for two hours succeeded in releasing both men alive. All the four men recommended for medals ran considerable risk, for a space of two hours, of being buried by further falls, and, had it not been for the presence of mind and self-sacrifice, their two comrades would certainly have lost their lives. Taylor and Stokes were exposed to the greatest danger, and displayed special initiative.

Source: London Gazette (22 Jan 1918)

Email	Researcher	Date	Interest
	Colin Thornelow	10 Aug 2010	FAMILY, MY MOTHER, HILDA VIOLET PURSER WASS WAS ELI PURSERS ELDEST DAUGHTHER. information required on other members of the family
	Barry Holland	25 Jun 2014	Eli Purser was my grandfather. My mother was his daughter, Marjorie Purser, who married Willis Holland in 1942. Interested in contacting any family members
	Reg Davis	09 Dec 2017	The PURSER Family before they came to Hucknall from Nothampton. I am the young boy Scout in the facebook image with my proud grand-dad wearing his Edward Medal. My mother was Annie Purser. More information required.

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