Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A “London Blitz” George Medal pair to A.R.P. Warden Percy Blanchard Coleman

George Medal, G.VI.R. (Percy Blanchard Coleman); Defence, unnamed as issued, mounted as worn, good very fine (2) £800-1000

G.M. London Gazette 17 January 1941. ‘While on patrol during an air raid, Coleman was blown down by the explosion of three H.E. bombs close together. Recovering from these shocks, he hastened to his Post, reporting serious damage by incendiary and H.E. bombs to property, street mains and electric cables. On resuming his patrol he observed a partly demolished building on fire. With extreme personal risk to himself, he entered the blazing debris and rescued a young child from the flames. Having handed the child over to street helpers, he heard calls from the parents, and again entered the burning debris. By his heroic action in breaking through and clearing burning material he was instrumental in effecting their rescue.

Continuing his work, he rendered valuable first aid to a young child blown into a bomb crater and badly cut by glass and splinters. He continued rescue work until, on the point of collapse, he was ordered by his Post Warden to rest and receive medical attention.’

A.R.P. Warden P. B. Coleman performed these heroic actions in New Malden, Surrey, on 16 August 1940.