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Auction: 17002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 378

'I was very proud to read of the awards for bravery to my fellow workmates; the way they are carrying on the traditions of the company is grand. It is comforting to know that our folks at home are in such good hands. The less said about this part of the world the better… The best of luck to the old firm.'

An ex-Gas Light and Coke Company worker - on active service - writes home.

A fine London Blitz B.E.M. awarded to Mr. A. J. Davis, a carpenter's labourer for the Gas Light and Coke Company Ltd.: as bombs rained down on the company's works at Beckton in the East End, he coolly scaled a 90ft. gas holder and 'scooped up' a brace of incendiaries in his helmet

British Empire Medal (Civil), G.VI.R. (Augustus Jack Davis), officially engraved naming on pre-prepared ground, edge bruise, good very fine

B.E.M. London Gazette 16 May 1941:

'During an air raid Davis was on duty when incendiary bombs fell. The majority of them were soon put out, but two lodged on top of a gas holder, at that time 90 feet in the air. These lit up the works and offered a target to the enemy who subsequently dropped more bombs. In order to quench the blaze Davis, with complete disregard of his own safety, climbed up to the top of the holder and scooped up the fire bombs in his helmet.'

Augustus Jack Davis was employed at the Gas Light and Coke Company's Beckton works at the time of the above deeds. The Centrica website contains an informative article in respect of the works in the Blitz and beyond: 15 workers were killed as a result of bombing and a remarkable tally of 20 employees won the G.M.

'The Company's gas works received deliberate and fierce attack in an attempt to cripple gas production. In 1940, all ten gas holders at the Beckton Gas Works were substantially damaged but employees faced the problem head on; working long and hard to ensure Britain continued to benefit from its supply by immediately pumping the gas to nearby Works. By 1944 however, destruction had reached new heights and many gas holders had been totally destroyed.'

For further information, see: https://www.centrica.com/news/remarkable-role-our-people-played-during-wwii


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