Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Battle of Britain period G.M. awarded to Gunner H. G. Groom, Royal Artillery, for rescuing four children from a burning house after an aircraft crash in Northamptonshire, September 1940

George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (No. 2086223 Gnr. Horace George Groom, R.A.) in card box of issue, very fine
£1800-2200

Provenance: Buckland Dix & Wood, December 1994.

G.M. London Gazette 3 January 1941: ‘'For conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work.'

Horace George Groom served during the Second World War with No. 403 Searchlight Battery, Royal Artillery, and was awarded his George Medal for saving life after an aircraft had crashed into a house in Ruffs Drive, Hucknall, Northamptonshire, on the night of 23/24 September 1940: ‘When fire broke out in the house, Gunner Groom, aged 21, from Kettering, hastened to the scene, and made four separate attempts at rescue, bringing out a child to safety on each occasion. He was himself badly burned and is lying critically ill in hospital. Sadly, two of the children have since died.’ (Northampton Mercury, 11 October 1940 refers).