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	Gallantry		Gallantry

	Waclow Chrystin
	George Medal
	Date:	1956
	Colliery:	Water Haigh Colliery
	Occupation:	Collier

 

Awarded the George Medal:—

William Bell Williams, Colliery Manager, Water Haigh Colliery. (Woodlesford.)

Waclow Chrystin, Collier, Water Haigh Colliery. (Castleford.)

Awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil Division):—

Charles Gibbons, Collier Grade I, Water Haigh Colliery. (Kippax.)

A fall of roof occurred at the Water Haigh Colliery burying two colliers at the coalface side of the fall. It was clear at this stage that both men were alive as they could be heard. Gibbons, who was working about 8 yards away, at once went to the spot and removed debris until joined by Williams and Chrystin. Williams, who had been on the surface at the time of the accident, took charge. He realised there was danger of further falls and erected a protection over the trapped men. He and Chrystin then continued their efforts to free the men. During the whole of the period they were in a position of extreme danger, the roof and sides being in such a state that a collapse could have occurred at any time. At 3.15 p.m. one man was released but there was another large fall which completely buried the second man. The rescuers continued their efforts until 10 p.m. when the dead body of the second man was recovered. Williams and Chrystin were in extreme personal danger the whole of the time and nothing could be done to provide them with protection from further falls. Without thought or regard for their own safety they calmly, quietly and with great skill persevered with the rescue work. Gibbons was also exposed to the danger of further falls and displayed courage and endurance.

Source: London Gazette (05 Oct 1956)

Email	Researcher	Date	Interest
	Howard Benson	08 Jan 2012	Water Haigh Colliery

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