An Edward Medal for Industry awarded to G. E. Thorpe, for his gallantry during an accident and explosion at Deptford Dry Dock at Greenwich on 7 January 1927; initially the sole survivor, he subsequently died the following year, his death ‘accelerated by the accident’

Edward Medal (Industry), G.V.R., 1st issue, with 2nd type reverse, bronze (George Edward Thorpe) on original investiture pin, in fitted case of issue, extremely fine £1,200-£1,600

E.M. London Gazette 1 April 1927: His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Edward Medal to George Edward Thorpe, George Gaunt, Thomas John Taylor and John Henry Perkins, in recognition of their gallantry in the following circumstances:-

‘On 7th January 1927, a shaft 20 feet in diameter and 50 feet deep, was being sunk at Greenwich. Six men, including George Thorpe, were working at the bottom of the shaft under compressed air when an explosion occurred which blew off the top of the shaft and caused a heavy fall of timber and concrete. At the same time the water which before the explosion was held back by the compressed air, rapidly invaded the shaft.
When the accident occurred, George Thorpe was partially sheltered from the falling material, but was rendered unconscious for a short time by the concussion. On regaining consciousness, he heard the cry of a companion, Martyn, who was pinned under fallen timber. Despite the fact that he was dazed by the explosion, and by the sudden release of air pressure, he left his shelter and held Martyn’s head above the water until rescue came, preferring so to risk his life rather than to seek safety by climbing out of the shaft. He was all the time exposed to falling material and the water was rapidly flooding the shaft.
As soon as the explosion occurred, Gaunt, a foreman, Taylor and Perkins at once sought means to descend the shaft and finally, by improvising a ladder 40 feet long, reached the bottom. They succeeded in freeing Martyn and bringing him and Thorpe to the surface. Further descents were made in a vain search for the other four workers who were held down by wreckage and were submerged in the rising water. Martyn subsequently died from his injuries.
During the time they were engaged on the work of rescue debris was continually falling and as the cause of the disaster was unknown so was it unknown whether the first explosion would not be followed by a second. They started rescue operations with great promptitude and embarked on a highly perilous enterprise in a calm and intelligent manner, with a total disregard for their own safety.’

George Edward Thorpe, a native of Clerkenwell, London, was the sole survivor of the working party which was employed in constructing a shaft in the Deptford Dry Dock for the London Power Company Ltd. on 7 January 1927. He was especially praised by the Coroner in his inquest into the accident, who stated: ‘You Thorpe were down in the gloom, and the jury wish specially to commend you. If there be any special recognition available for such gallantry I shall have pleasure in recommending you.’ Consequently he was awarded the Edward Medal for his gallantry.

Thorpe died the following year, in hospital on 28 February 1928. The jury at the coroner’s Court found that his death was ‘from syncope due to cancer and pneumonia, accelerated by the accident’, and that the verdict should be ‘accidental death’, rather than natural death.

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