Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Edward Medal (Mines), G.VI.R., 1st issue, silver (John Cyril Davies, Bullcroft Main Colliery, 11.6.47) in Royal Mint case of issue, about extremely fine £2000-2400

Provenance: Christie’s, July 1990.

E.M. London Gazette 23 December 1947:

‘On the 11th June 1947, a huge fall of roof occurred at Bullcroft Main Colliery trapping two rippers. The fall occurred at 10:30 a.m. and one of the trapped men was extricated at 2 p.m. and the other at 5:30 p.m. For almost all this time Davies was in charge of the rescue work, which was carried out by digging a narrow tunnel through the side of the roadway to the point where the trapped men were. Work in this small tunnel was hazardous and Davies remained in it for the whole of the period, being assisted by workmen in relays. Throughout the work there was the ever-present danger of further falls of roof which would have engulfed the rescuers. Both of the trapped men were eventually rescued almost unhurt.’

John Cyril Davies was employed as Under-Manager at the National Coal Board’s Bullcroft Main Colliery, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

Note: One of 11 George VI Edward Medal (Mines) in silver awarded.