Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria. To coincide with the OMRS Convention

An Edward Medal (Industry) awarded to Allan Holliday, for gallantry at a serious accident at the Burton Brewery Company in February 1913

Edward Medal (Industry), G.V.R., 2nd Class, bronze, 1st issue with 2nd type reverse (Allan Holliday) in its original fitted presentation case, very fine £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Awards to Civilians from the Collection of John Tamplin.

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E.M. 2nd Class London Gazette 25 July 1913: His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Edward Medal of the Second Class to Thomas Wagstaff and Allan Holliday under the following circumstances:-

‘On 20th February, 1913, at the Burton Brewery Company’s Work, Burton-on-Trent, a number of men were lime-washing the ceiling of a hop-press room. On the wall, about two or three feet above the scaffolding on which the men were standing, a shaft was running, driving two cog-wheels. One of the men, named Arbon, was leaning over the shaft when he was suddenly caught and dragged into the machinery. Holliday, who was standing near, at once seized hold of him and became entangled in the gear-wheels himself. The clothes of both men were torn from them, and they were in imminent peril. With great presence of mind Wagstaff seized hold of Holliday and succeeded in keeping clear of the cog-wheels. Holliday escaped with very serious injuries, but Arbon unfortunately lost his life. There can be no doubt that by their plucky action both Holliday and Wagstaff incurred the gravest risk to their own lives.’

From the numerous local newspaper reports, the accident was obviously of a very distressing nature. Edwin Arbon, of Heath Road, Stapenhill, Burton-on-Trent, who was married but had no children, had his neck broken, his left arm completely torn away, and his body shockingly mutilated.

Holliday, also from Heath Road, Stapenhill, was conscious, but sustained a scalp wound, a dislocated shoulder, and numerous bruises about the body. He was married and had ten children. Both men received their Edward Medals from the hands of King George V at Buckingham Palace on 12 August 1913. Sold with full research, including copied newspaper reports. This medal is used as the ‘Illustrative Award’ in British Gallantry Awards, Abbott & Tamplin, 2nd Edition.