Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An Edward Medal for Mines in Silver awarded to James Dryburgh for gallantry at the Lockhead Colliery, Fife, on 29 December 1907

Edward Medal (Mines), E.VII.R., silver (James Dryburgh) in case of issue, extremely fine £2500-3000

E.M. London Gazette 28 July 1908.

‘On the 29th December, 1907, a fire broke out at Lockhead Colliery, Fife. It was feared that a fireman who was then in the pit was in danger. Two men descended to rescue him, but they were overcome by the poisonous gas in the mine. James and George Dryburgh, in spite of great risk, descended the shaft and rescued these two men.’

For their gallantry both James and George Dryburgh were awarded the Edward Medal in Silver. The Lockhead Colliery was situated near East Wemyss in Fife and was the property of the Wemyss Coal Co. Ltd.

Just 77 silver Edward Medals for Mines awarded, of which 29 were issued during the reign of King Edward VII.