| Gallantry |
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Gallantry | ||
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Awards for Gallantry
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John Edward Samuels |
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Edward Medal | |||
| Date: | 22 Sep 1934 | ||
| Colliery: | Gresford Colliery | ||
| Occupation: | Coal Cutter Machineman | ||
Whitehall, February 10, 1937.
His Majesty The King has been graciously pleased to award the Edward Medal to John Edward Samuels, in recognition of his gallantry in connection with the Gresford Colliery Explosion on the 22nd September, 1934.
The sole survivors of those working underground were six men, of whom Samuels, a coal-cutting machineman, was one. They had been working at the time in what was known as No. 29's District. The effect of the explosion was to close the normal means of access to this section of the mine and thereby to cut off those working there, but it seemed to a group of men who had got together that a way out might be found along a little used road which served as a return airway. This hope proved in the end to be justified but the survivors had to fight their way for nearly half a mile through an atmosphere so laden with gas that at an early stage some of the party turned back to seek some other way out, only to meet their deaths. The worst place proved to be at a point where the road crossed a fault and it was necessary for a ladder to be climbed in order to reach the upper level. At various points, members of the party fell behind and the temptation to leave them to their fate must have been very strong.
Throughout Samuels took a leading part in encouraging members of the party, in advising as to what should be done or attempted, and in giving other help, staying behind to render assistance at a time when any delay in escaping was fraught with grave danger. The Chief Inspector of Mines, in the Report just published on the explosion, states that Samuels summed up the position and displayed qualities of leadership in a most terrifying situation, and there seems to be no doubt that some at least of the party owe their lives to his coolness and courage.
Source: London Gazette (19 Feb 1937)
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| Researchers | |
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| Researcher | Date | Interest | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garth Griffiths | 21 May 2020 |
John would have been my great uncle |
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