| Gallantry |
|
Gallantry | ||
 |
|
 |
||
Awards for Gallantry
 |
Jeffrey Fletcher |
 |
|
Edward Medal in Silver | |||
| Date: | 02 Jan 1920 | ||
| Colliery: | West Elliot Colliery, Monmouthshire | ||
| Occupation: | |||
Whitehall, 12th July, 1920.
His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Edward Medal in silver to Jeffrey Fletcher under the following circumstances:—
On January 2nd, 1920, a repairer named Jones was engaged on work in an air pit at the West Elliot Colliery in Monmouthshire when a fall of rubbish occurred and Jones found himself entirely buried and tightly pinned down, though able to breathe owing to the looseness of the earth. His son, who was near by, heard his father's shouts and hurried for help. Fletcher, with other men, arrived on the scene, and for nearly three hours, in spite of the possibility of a further big fall, proceeded gradually to uncover Jones to below the shoulders and by cheerful talk braced him up considerably. No foundation could be obtained to put in supports to the rubbish which was constantly moving. Further falls occurred, and Jones was again buried up to the neck. After many attempts, lasting over a further three hours, during which time Fletcher fed Jones with stimulants, he found it possible to release the latter, and rescued him practically uninjured. Fletcher was in the hole for about five hours, during which time he ran the risk of being buried by falls from the loose rubbish coming from above. He showed great initiative, coolness and bravery while he himself was exposed to very great danger.
Source: London Gazette (16 Jul 1920)
 |
 |
| Researchers | |
|
|
If you are researching Jeffrey Fletcher (e.g. for family tree purposes) and you would like to hear from others with the same interest then please complete the details in the following form. We will show the information you provide on this page so that you can be contacted.
Contains public sector information licensed under the 
