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Auction: 14002 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 13

The Unique 'G.V.R. 1st type' Edward Medal (Industry) in Silver Awarded to Harry Parsons, For Gallantry in Attempting to Save Life at a Barrow Steel Works in 1912
Edward Medal (Industry), G.V.R., 1st type obvesrse, 1st type reverse, silver (Harry Parsons), very fine, in case of issue

E.M. London Gazette 17.12.1912 Harry Parsons, Steelworker, Barrow Factory, in joint citation with the following (all of whom received Bronze awards) Ernest Cannell, Thomas Evans, John Robinson, William Ackred and George Bagnall (the last two had their medals presented to their widows), 'On the 4th August, 1912, a gas flue, which is a thousand yards long and 6 feet in diameter, was in process of cleaning at the Barrow Hematite Steel Company's works, when a workman engaged in the operation entered the tube contrary to orders to recover a broken rake. He was immediately overcome by the gas, as were also two fellow workmen, William Ackred and George Bagnall, who went to his assistance. Harry Parsons twice entered the flue at great risk to his life, and, with the help of Ernest Cannell, Thomas Evans and John Robinson, succeeded in bringing out the three men, who had been overcome and who all unhappily lost their lives.'

Harry Parsons, together with the three other men, was present at an investiture by King George V at Buckingham Palace in December 1912, when he and the others were presented with their awards. All four men were also presented with gold watches, suitably inscribed, at a ceremony in the Banquet Hall at Barrow Town Hall, 17.11.1912. The presentations were made by the Mayor, the watches having been given by the Barrow Hematite Steel Company in recognition of their bravery.

Only 1 silver and 11 bronze medals with the George V 1st type obverse and 1st type reverse were awarded. This reverse was designed by Kathleen Bruce who married Captain R. F. Scott, C.V.O., R.N., the famous explorer, and who was later created Lady Scott in recognition of her husband’s services.

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Sold for
£4,800