Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Queen’s Gallantry Medal awarded to Peter Bevan for a brave rescue of a colleague at the British Steel Corporation’s East Moor Works, Cardiff, on 11 February 1975

Queen’s Gallantry Medal, E.II.R. (Peter Bevan) in Royal Mint case of issue, edge bruise, otherwise nearly extremely fine
£2500-3000

Q.G.M. London Gazette 16 February 1976.

‘At about 11 a.m. on the 11th February, 1975 explosions occurred inside an open-hearth furnace in the melting shop of the British Steel Corporation’s East Moor Works at Cardiff. After several explosions three doors of the furnace were blown down and at each subsequent eruption molten metal and slag were ejected through the door openings onto the charging platforms. In all there were about 60 eruptions at 20 second intervals. A simultaneous electrical failure caused the overhead travelling crane to stop with the driver’s cab in line with one of the furnace doorways. As a result each eruption of molten metal from the furnace showered the driver’s cab which was set alight. The driver’s clothing also caught fire.

The driver ran on to the platform at the rear of the cab, but metal continued to rain upon him through the open doorway of the cab and also by deflection from the framework of the crane itself.

Mr Bevan and others saw the plight of the crane driver and raised a ladder to the platform on which the driver was standing about 12 feet from the ground. During the rescue operation explosions were occurring within the furnace, and molten metal and slag continued to shower the platform and ladder. The people at the foot of the ladder were able to shelter behind scrap boxes and bogies, but for almost 10 minutes, Mr Bevan was exposed to flying molten metal and slag.

Mr Bevan’s action undoubtedly led to the saving of the crane driver’s life, although subsequent amputation of both the driver’s legs below the knee level and partial amputation of both hands had been necessary. Mr Bevan was fully aware of the dangers associated with molten metal and he displayed courage of a very high order and a complete disregard of his own safety when he went to the rescue of his injured colleague.’

Peter Bevan, a scrap charge operator, of 27 Coed-y-Gores, Llanedeyrn, was aged 27 at the time of incident. He rescued Mr Gerald Fleming, who was taken to St. Lawrence Hospital, Chepstow where he was treated for critical burns. Bevan himself was unhurt in the rescue operations.

Together with a Certificate in testimony of Distinguished Conduct, awarded to Peter Bevan by The Society for the Protection of Life from Fire. Also with newspaper cutting and citation.