Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Police Constable H. Thornton, Birmingham Police, late Gunner, Royal Artillery

British War and Victory Medals (189942 Gnr., R.A.); Society for the Protection of Life from Fire, 5th type, bronze (Henry Thornton, Birmingham, 16th May 1924) with silver brooch bar, nearly extremely fine (3) £240-280

‘The occasion on which Thornton so well distinguished himself, was a fire in Ravenhurst-street, which occurred in May last at 1.5 a.m. on the night of the 16th. After giving the alarm Thornton rushed into the smoke-filled house. Beaten back, however, by the flames, he secured a blanket, and, with the assistance of on-lookers, held it for the occupants of the house to jump into. The occupants of the house were ten persons, ranging in age from five to 70 years, and they all escaped without injury.’ (ref. Birmingham Gazette, 8 May 1924). For rescuing the 10 members of the ‘Fox’ family P.C. Thornton was awarded the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire bronze medal and the sum of £5.5.0.

With copied newspaper extract and roll extract.