SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF LIFE FROM FIRE, bronze (Alfred Percy Thorpe, Birmingham, 13 June 1923) in its John Pinches case of issue, extremely fine

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of the late Mike Minton.

View
Collection

The Society's Bronze Medal together with 5 guineas was awarded to five men, including Thorpe, for rescuing 10 patients from a fire at Highbury Hospital, Birmingham, on 13 June 1923. 'Eye-witnesses tell of many heroic incidents in which Orderly Thorpe, a Balsall Heath man, and Pensioner Ashton, of Small Health, were concerned. They were seen going in and out of the burning building until, like others, they were beaten back by the flames. Highbury, at Moor Green, was formerly the home of Joseph Chamberlain M.P. and throughout the war it was used as an auxiliary hospital, in connection with the First Southern General Hospital, for the treatment of wounded soldiers.’

Sold with comprehensive research.