Orders, Decorations and Medals

A London Blitz George Medal awarded to Air Raid Warden M. C. Starr, Holborn A.R.P.
George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Maurice Cohen Starr) polished and sometime gilded, otherwise nearly very fine £600-700

G.M. London Gazette 22 August 1941: ‘During an air attack, bombs demolished two blocks of flats and part of the building was set on fire. Three persons were trapped on the fourth floor. An extension ladder was obtained but was not long enough. Starr, assisted by Stratton and Ricketts, climbed up the wreckage and helped two of the trapped persons to the room below. The third had to be carried as he was injured. The uninjured victims were helped down the ladder by Stratton and Ricketts and then Starr, tying a rope around the injured man, carried him down the ladder. A few minutes later the building collapsed. Starr, who acted as leader, Stratton and Ricketts, showed great coolness and courage.’

Stratton and Ricketts were both awarded the B.E.M., and Starr the G.M. for this rescue which took place at Redman Buildings, Portpool Lane, Holborn, on the night of 16/17 April, 1941. Sold with original London Gazette page and a copy page from the Daily Sketch with photograph of Starr.