Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Edward Medal for Industry in Silver awarded to Arthur Frankland for Gallantry at the Ardeer Factory, Glasgow, on 30/31 July 1915

Edward Medal (Industry), G.V.R., 1st issue, with 2nd type reverse, silver (Arthur Frankland) in case of issue; Gold Presentation Cross, 45 x 30mm., 11.5g., 9ct. gold, hallmarks for Birmingham 1908, obverse bearing the ornate monogram ‘AF’, the reverse inscribed, ‘Presented to Arthur Frankland by the employees at Nobel’s. For his heroic act in rescuing a fellow worker during the explosions July, 30th & 31st 1915’; together with a Gold Hunter Pocket Watch, keyless lever watch, 1906, No. 1887, by Elkington & Co., London, with white enamel dial with gold hands and subsidiary seconds; inside of front cover inscribed, ‘Presented by Nobel’s-Glasgow to Arthur Frankland, in recognition of his gallant conduct in rescuing a wounded comrade at the imminent risk of his own life, on the occasion of the disastrous explosion at Ardeer Factory on the night of 30th/31st July 1915’, the outer front cover bearing the ornate monogram ‘AF’; complete with 18ct. gold watch chain, 62g., with links individually hallmarked, good very fine (lot)
£5000-6000

Ex Sotheby 5/6 November 1986.

E.M. London Gazette 27 June 1916.

‘His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Edward Medal of the first class to James Burt and Arthur Frankland, also the Edward Medal of the second class to Duncan McPolland on account of their gallant conduct on the occasion of an explosion which occurred at the works of the Nobel Explosive Co., Ardeer, on the 30th July, 1915.’

‘.... On the night of the 30-31 July 1915, a series of explosions occurred at the Factory of Messrs. Nobel Explosives Company Ltd. .... Frankland with several others was employed at the blending of cordite; and the first intimation they received of the disaster was the collapse of the roof of the building in which they were working, breaking the leg of a man named Stewart. Frankland and two others went back to help Stewart; and between them they dragged him outside the building, Frankland wrapping up his wounds with his jacket. The two others then went off to get assistance, but were not allowed to return. Frankland nevertheless stayed by Stewart, and with great difficulty (Stewart being six feet four inches in height) dragged him some distance to the main bogie line, laid him between the rails, and pushed a bogie over him, thus protecting him from further injury.

During this time three further explosions occurred, and the fire spread in their direction. No sooner had Frankland succeeded in protecting Stewart with the bogie than a further explosion took place, and Frankland was struck by flying debris and carried about fifty yards away. He attempted to return to Stewart, but his injuries, a compound fracture of the left leg and two severe wounds in the hip and back, were too severe. Both men were found by the search party in the early morning. ...’ (Taken from a Home Office document).

With the Carnegie Hero Fund Trust Certificate, presented to Arthur Frankland, in recognition of his heroic endeavour to save human life - this in a wooden glass-fronted frame; and a portrait photograph of the recipient wearing his Edward Medal and watch chain, in glass-fronted metal frame.

A total of 25 Edward Medals for Industry in Silver were awarded.