Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Second War B.E.M. and I.C.I. Gold Medal for Bravery pair awarded to Miss Catherine Munro, a Chargewoman at Imperial Chemical Industries’ Powfoot Powder Factory

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Miss Catherine Munro) on lady’s bow riband; Imperial Chemical Industries Gold Medal for Conspicuous Bravery, 38mm x 26mm, gold (9ct., 26.21g including riband, hallmarks for Birmingham 1938), the obverse inscribed ‘Awarded for Bravery’ with a lion rampant bearing the letters, ‘I.C.I.’, the reverse inscribed in raised letters (with name, locality and date engraved), ‘Presented to Catherine Munro by Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd for Conspicuous Bravery at Powfoot Works on 22nd February 1942’, with integral hallmarked gold brooch bar inscribed ‘Fortis’, in Thomas Fattorini, Birmingham, case, nearly extremely fine, rare (2) £800-£1,000

One of only 36 I.C.I. Medals for Bravery awarded from the date of the medal’s institution in 1929, and the last award in 1975.

B.E.M. London Gazette 8 May 1942: Miss Catherine Munro, Chargewoman, Powder Factory, Imperial Chemical Industries Limited.
‘Miss Munro was loading a car with powder when she saw a flame issue from under the floor boards of the powder house. She sent her assistant to telephone for the Fire Brigade and, with a small hose, she returned to the compartment where the fire had developed. She played water on it until the Fire Brigade arrived. Close beside the fire was an uncovered car containing powder and although the fire spread to this she did not give up but continued to fight the flames. There was in the house at the time a large quantity of powder in a highly inflammable condition. By her prompt action the fire was kept under control until the arrival of the Fire Brigade. The damage to the house was negligible and work was resumed within twenty-four hours.
Miss Munro showed courage without regard for her own safety being well aware of the possible consequences of the fire.’

Sold with named Ministry of Supply letter congratulating the recipient upon her award, dated 7 May 1942, and signed ‘Andrew R. Duncan’.