| Gallantry |
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Gallantry | ||
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Awards for Gallantry
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Donald Smith |
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British Empire Medal (Civil Division) | |||
| Date: | 1947 | ||
| Colliery: | Bullcroft Main Colliery | ||
| Occupation: | Contract Worker | ||
Awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil Division)
Samuel LUDLAM, Contract Worker, Bullcroft Main Colliery, Yorkshire.
William LUKE, Contract Worker, Bullcroft Main Colliery, Yorkshire.
Donald SMITH, Contract Worker, Bullcroft Main Colliery, Yorkshire.
A huge fall of roof occurred at Bullcroft Main Colliery and two men were buried by small stones and coal.
Ludlam, Luke and Smith volunteered to assist in the rescue of the trapped men and, after working for some time, uncovered the head and shoulders of both men.
At this stage the fall place itself became very uneasy and as any further attempt to remove the fall would have resulted in completely re-burying the two men, it was decided to work through to them from the back. A small hole had to be cut through coal and wire bags. Only two men were able to work in the hole at a time, and the work was carried out in relays by Smith, Luke, and Ludlam. Three hours later one of the men was released. The other man could be released only by supporting him while one of the rescuers went under his body to cut away the wire bag and take the floor dirt from under his feet. This was done by hand and, after working for more than four hours, the trapped man was released.
Ludlam, Luke and Smith, by their courage and determination, saved the lives of their fellow workers.
Source: London Gazette (19 Dec 1947)
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