A Great War Medal of the Order of the British Empire attributed to Superintendent E. Smalley, Oswaldtwistle Fire Brigade

Medal of the Order of the British Empire, (Civil), unnamed as issued, in John Pinches, London, case of issue, extremely fine £260-300

O.B.E. Medal London Gazette 7 July 1920:
‘For conspicuous courage and devotion to duty on the occasion of a fire at a chemical works.’

The original recommendation states: ‘On 27 April 1917, the Brigade attended the premises of Blythe & Co., Cote Holme Chemical Works, Church, where an explosion had occurred. The company were manufacturers of trinitoroluidine and trinitrophenol and there was considerable danger of other explosions occurring. In fact several minor explosions did actually occur whilst the Brigade was engaged. The Superintendent states that every member of the Brigade performed his duty unflinchingly, and he cannot mention any one individual for special merit.’

A further note in the Home Office Records explains why Smalley’s Medal was issued unnamed: ‘Serious explosion of picric acid at the Cote Holme Chemical Works on 27 April 1917: The Brigade were asked to select the names of three men. In reply the council stated that there were five men all equally entitled to recognition and they asked whether it would be possible to extend the number of medals. They were informed in reply that it would not be possible for the Secretary of State to recommend more than three names, and the Brigade therefore submitted the names of Edward Smalley, John Booth, and John W. Duckworth, but asked that the medals should not be engraved as it was the intention to have the medals placed in a frame and hung on the walls of the Station.’ (H.O. 45/11016 refers)

Edward Smalley was presented with his O.B.E. Medal by Lord Shuttleworth, H.M. Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, at Manchester Town Hall on 18 November 1920, alongside Messrs. Booth and Duckworth.

Sold together with a letter from the Home Office to the recipient informing him of the award, dated 5 July 1920; Programme for the Presentation of Medals at the Town Hall, Manchester, on 18 November 1920, with accompanying invitation; a photograph of the recipient; and the recipient’s visiting card.