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	Gallantry		Gallantry

	Archibald Burton
	Edward Medal
	Date:	12 Nov 1927
	Colliery:	Burley Colliery, Apedale, Staffordshire
	Occupation:

 

Whitehall, June 5, 1928.

His Majesty The KING has been graciously pleased to award the Edward Medal to Archibald Burton in recognition of his gallantry in the following circumstances :–

At about 3 a.m. on 12th November, 1927, two miners, Burton and Gleaves, were engaged in inserting timbers at the Burley Colliery, Apedale, Staffordshire, when, without warning, a fall of roof occurred which pinned Gleaves by the feet, and extinguished the lamps of both men. In complete darkness Burton succeeded in locating Gleaves but, finding that he was unable to release him, groped about for timber and having found it, succeeded in erecting a shield to protect his comrade from further falls. He then left to fetch lamps and assistance. As he was leaving a further fall occurred which buried Gleaves to the hips. Burton travelled some 150 yards, including some steep inclines, in complete darkness before he could get a lamp and send for assistance. Having secured a lamp, he returned to the scene of the fall and was soon joined by another miner, Moss. Together these two placed more timber in position to protect the imprisoned man. They were then joined by others who assisted in the work of clearing the fall. They had worked their way along under the protecting timber to Gleaves' feet when they had to withdraw on account of the imminence of another fall. This further fall was heavier than the previous two and completely buried Gleaves, breaking all the protecting timber except that originally erected by Burton. No further falls occurred and after between four and five hours' work the imprisoned man was extricated.

Burton in waiting to erect a protection for his trapped comrade undoubtedly saved Gleaves' life and gravely imperilled his own.

Source: London Gazette (12 Jun 1928)

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