Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part III)

An Edward Medal for Industry in bronze to James Marron for the rescue of a 76 year old man, trapped by molten metal, at the Acklam Iron Works, Middlesborough

Edward Medal (Industry), G.V.R., 1st issue, with 2nd type reverse, bronze (James Marron) extremely fine £900-1100

Edward Medal London Gazette 8 May 1928. ‘... to Mr James Marron and Mr James McMullin, in recognition of their gallantry in the following circumstances’.

‘On the 10th January last, while a furnace was being tapped at the Acklam Iron Works of Messrs. Dorman Long and Company, Middlesborough, a portion of the brick flooring near the furnace was forced upwards by an explosion, and flames and several tons of molten metal belched forth. In a very short time all the ground near the furnace was covered with molten metal, flames were leaping into the air nearly fifteen feet high and it was almost impossible to see on account of steam. A man named Davies aged 76, who was employed as a cleaner, was partially overwhelmed and took refuge in a water channel surrounding the furnace. Two attempts were made to rescue him by the foreman but he was beaten back. Marron and McMullin hearing that a man was believed to be trapped by the molten metal, ran to the scene of the explosion and jumped over the tapping channel which was then full of molten metal. At first they could see nothing on account of the steam and flames, but on the steam lifting for a few seconds they ran along the water channel where they saw Davies lying and carried him away.

Davies subsequently died from his injuries and at the inquest the jury, in returning a verdict of accidental death, commended Marron and McMullin very highly for their brave action and requested the Coroner to call attention to their conduct with a view to some recognition being accorded to them for their fearless action in the face of known danger. Although the time taken to effect the rescue was short these men ran very considerable risks of a further upheaval, of burning by flames or molten metal, of asphyxiation and of losing their way in the steam, and their bravery received high praise from their fellow workmen’.

The two men were in addition each awarded an Honorary Certificate and £20 from the Carnegie Hero Fund Trust. Sold with a quantity of copied research - Home Office papers, various letters and newspaper reports.