Orders, Decorations and Medals

A British Empire Medal pair awarded to Corporal H. J. Bodkin, Army Physical Training Corps, late Royal Artillery
British Empire Medal, G.VI.R. (2065653 A/Bdr., R.A.); Efficiency Medal, Territorial, G.VI.R. (2065653 Cpl., APTC) good very fine (2)

B.E.M. London Gazette 15 March 1946. ‘In recognition of gallant conduct in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner.’ The following details were extracted from official records: ‘On the 23rd May, 1945, five Dutch children were playing in the wreckage of an American aircraft stored in a factory yard opposite an Ordnance dump at Enschede, Holland. The children had apparently kindled a fire in one of the wrecked fuselages, with the result that it caught fire and they were trapped in one of the compartments. When the alarm was given, Bombardier Bodkin and Gunner Trott, who were stationed nearby, immediately proceeded to the scene and, despite the fact that the wreckage was burning fiercely, they proceeded to fight their way into fuselage and to rescue the children inside. Two of the children were very seriously burnt, and one died later. All who witnessed the incident were full of praise for the way in which Bombardier Bodkin and Gunner Trott had worked as they both disregarded personal safety and showed coolness and determination in their effort.’