Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine ‘Plymouth Blitz’ B.E.M. awarded to Temporary Carter Thomas Penwill, Great Western Railway - for his work in saving the lives of 22 horses

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Thomas Penwill) with riband bar, in card box of issue, extremely fine £250-300

B.E.M. London Gazette 5 December 1941. ‘James George Thomas, Stableman and Thomas Penwill, Temporary Carter, Great Western Railway.’ ‘During an air raid Thomas and Penwill were on duty in Railway Stables when adjoining premises were set on fire. The two men began to transfer the 50 horses to a safer place when two high explosive bombs fell on the stables and both men were injured. After they had received first aid the two men continued working and twenty-two horses were saved. The conditions under which the work was carried out were extremely dangerous, and Penwill and Thomas showed courage and determination.’

At the time of the rescue, Penwill, aged 56 years, was living at 23 Melbourne Street, Plymouth and had been employed by the Great Western Railway for 18 months. The air raid which caused such devastation to a large portion of the town, including the G.W.R. goods station where the horses were stabled, took place on 23/24 April 1941. Penwill sustained cuts and bruises to his head during the attack.

With original named medal forwarding slip and copied research.