Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second War ‘London Blitz’ G.M. awarded to War Reserve Police Constable Thomas Tanner, Metropolitan Police, for aiding the rescue of three women from a mansion block in Marylebone High Street, and others in adjacent buildings, during an air raid on the night of 8 December 1940

George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Thomas Tanner) mounted on original investiture pin in its Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine £3,000-£4,000

G.M. London Gazette 7 March 1941:

‘William Joseph Conrad Schermuly, Police Constable, Metropolitan Police.
Thomas Tanner, War Reserve Police Constable, Metropolitan Police.

Some houses and a block of flats were demolished by bombing. At the time Police Constables Schermuly and Tanner were off duty. The latter was in bed on the sick list.

On hearing the explosion they went to the scene and entered a badly damaged house where several women were trapped. A search of the debris was made by the aid of hand torches. Three women were extricated and carried to safety.

The constables then entered other premises, despite the fact that these were collapsing and the air raid was still in progress. From this building five women were rescued. While carrying one of the casualties down from the third floor the staircase collapsed, throwing them a distance of about 25 feet into the debris in the basement. The woman was fortunately thrown clear without sustaining any hurt, but the two officers were injured.

The rescue work was carried out under extremely hazardous conditions, as a fire had broken out in the wreckage making it a target for enemy aircraft which were continually overhead. The officers persisted in their efforts despite collapsing buildings, water and escaping gas.’

Thomas Tanner was a War Reserve Police Constable at Marylebone Lane Police Station. There is a specially commissioned image of him by war artist Heber Thompson in the collection of the Imperial War Museum.

Sold with a copy of Police Commissioner Sir Philip Game’s report and recommendation for awards which concludes:

‘The rescue work was carried out under extremely hazardous conditions, as a fire had broken out in the debris at Maybury Mansions making it a target for enemy aircraft which were continually overhead. The officers persisted in their efforts despite collapsing buildings, escaping gas and water, and had to effect the rescue in total darkness, aided only by the light of torches. It was stated by one witness that the Wardens present considered the premises unsafe to enter.
The Chief Constable of the District states that P.Cs. Schermuly and Tanner were well to the fore in the rescue work, and recommends them for consideration as to the award of a George Medal.’