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	Gallantry		Gallantry

	Andrew Taylor
	Edward Medal
	Date:	09 Sep 1967
	Colliery:	Michael Colliery, Fife
	Occupation:	Deputy

 

HOME OFFICE

Whitehall, London S.W.1.

16th July 1968

The Queen has been graciously pleased to make the undermentioned award:

Edward Medal

Andrew Taylor (deceased), Deputy, Michael Mine, Fife, National Coal Board.

A fire broke out near the bottom of a shaft in the Michael Mine. The fire spread fiercely and rapidly, producing a vast quantity of thick black smoke which was carried to all sections of the mine. Instructions were telephoned from the surface to all parts of the mine for the 316 men working underground to be withdrawn, but nine lives were lost. The intake airway, the shortest way to the shaft and the one which the men were accustomed to travel, was full of black smoke. Deputy Taylor set off along the return airway but after travelling some distance he decided to wait for some of his men who he thought were not far behind. When no one appeared, he became anxious and told the two other men who were with him that he was going back to search for them as he believed he could lead them safely out of the mine. The other men tried to dissuade him and warned him that if he went back he would lose his life. Deputy Taylor replied that he could not return to the surface if some of his men were missing. With complete disregard for his own safety, he went back into the smoke-laden return and was not seen again.

William Shaw, Fire Officer, Michael Mine, Fife, National Coal Board (Denbeath). For services when a fire broke out in the Michael Mine, Fife.

Source: London Gazette (12 Jul 1968)

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