| Gallantry |
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Gallantry | ||
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Awards for Gallantry
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William Smith |
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Edward Medal | |||
| Date: | 12 Dec 1923 | ||
| Colliery: | Frickley Colliery, Yorkshire | ||
| Occupation: | Collier | ||
Whitehall, 10th July, 1924.
His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Edward Medal to William England Smith and James Collingwood, colliers employed by the Carlton Main Colliery Company, in the following circumstances:—
On December 12th, 1923, in the course of operations at the Frickley Colliery in Yorkshire, a boy named Bacon was leading his pony which was drawing two empty tubs along a line of rails. One of the tubs became derailed upon which the pony bolted and displaced a prop in the workings thus causing a heavy fall of roof to take place. The pony was killed and Bacon was buried up to his waist. Smith and Collingwood, colliers working near by, heard the fall and at once proceeded to the spot. They realised the danger to the boy if a further fall occurred and immediately made use of some long poles lying near to erect a temporary roof over him. A second fall did actually take place a few minutes later and Bacon was preserved unhurt while Smith and Collingwood just managed to jump clear. An hour later other men arrived on the scene and operations for Bacon's release were commenced. He was eventually released after 3½ hours' hard work.
Great credit is due to all the men engaged in the work of releasing Bacon as pieces of the roof were continuously falling while the operation was in progress. It is, however, to Smith and Collingwood that Bacon owes his life which he would undoubtedly have lost but for the initial steps they took to safeguard him and render possible the subsequent work of rescue. They ran a grave risk while they were erecting the temporary roof and displayed great courage and resource.
Whitehall, 21st July, 1924.
EDWARD MEDAL.
In the notice dated the 10th July, 1924, which appears in the Gazette No. 32955 of the 11th July, notifying the award of the Edward Medal to William England Smith and James Collingwood, for "William England Smith" read "William Smith."
Source: London Gazette (11 Jul 1924)
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