Orders, Decorations and Medals

Fire Brigade Long Service Medal, E.II.R. (Firefighter Georgy G. Celine) extremely fine £150-200

Georgy Gray Celine served in the Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service for nearly 25 years and was awarded his Long Service Medal in July 1995. So, too, the Queen’s Gallantry Medal (Q.G.M.), as per the following deeds described in the London Gazette of 9 August 1984:

‘On 28 December 1982, Fireman Celine was one of a number of firemen called to deal with a serious fire at a Bingo club in Luton. The blaze was being fought from inside the building when the roof suddenly collapsed into the lower floors, bringing down tons of steelwork, hot masonry and burning timber. A fireman was trapped by a girder, with a considerable amount of debris amassed on top. He was also in danger from the continuing spread of the fire. The fireman’s partner initially attempted to extricate him but realised the seriousness of the situation and went outside to get help. Fireman Celine responded to the call for assistance, immediately entered the building and found the trapped fireman, by the light of the fire.

Fireman Celine dug with his bare hands to remove the debris, constantly re-assuring his colleague, who by now was in some pain from his injuries. The rescue work, involving manual removal of brickwork, masonry and timber, progressed in cramped and difficult conditions, directly underneath several tons of unsupported roof and debris. The remaining structure of surrounding building was known to be dangerousd and further burning debris continued to fall intermittently on the scene. The successful extrication of the trapped fireman was achieved after some 30 minutes.

Fireman Celine’s readiness to put himself in considerable danger over a prolonged period disdplayed gallantry of a high order.’

Celine, who received his Q.G.M. at a Buckingham Palace investiture on 8 November 1984, retired in May 1999.

Sold with an extensive file of documentation, including original Downing Street letter of notification for the award of the Q.G.M., dated 7 August 1984, assorted congratulatory letters, several photographs, related newspaper cuttings a large quantity of copied eye-witness statements from fellow firefighters, together with his Certificates of Service.