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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 372

During her journeys to and from the first-aid post high-explosive bombs fell close by, but, despite the danger, Miss Spear showed commendable coolness and rendered valuable help to the A.R.P. services

The Superb and Selfless British Empire Medal awarded to Miss E. C. L. Spear, for gallantry during the Bristol Blitz, when she was rendering assistance to the Air Raid Wardens two bombs fell on a nearby house, causing two casualties, Spear rendered them assistance even as the bombs fell around her

British Empire Medal, G.VI.R. (Miss Elsie Catherine Lucie Spear), on ladies bow riband, in box of issue, good very fine

B.E.M. London Gazette, the official recommendation states:

‘For a period of about two hours during the heavy air raid which took place on Bristol on the 3rd January 1941, Miss Spear assisted Wardens who were dealing with incendiary bombs in the vicinity of her home carrying water and sand to them.
During this time a high explosive bomb partly demolished No.60 Greville Road as a result of which a Mr Edgell received a spinal wound which has since proved fatal, and his son sustained a serious wound to the hand.
Miss Spear rendered first aid to Mr. Edgell Jnr., and guided him to the nearest First Aid Post for further treatment, and summoned a stretcher party for his father who was in a helpless condition at his home.
It is said that Mr. Edgell Jnr. was incapable of reaching a First Aid Post unaided, and in view of the numerous calls on Wardens at the time Miss Spear’s offer of assistance was most valuable.
During Miss Spear’s journeys to and from the First Aid Post three or four high explosive bombs fell in the close vicinity and her action certainly exposed her to danger.

Throughout the period mentioned Miss Spear is said to have shown commendable coolness, and to have been the only resident in that section of the street to render any real assistance to the A.R.P. personnel who were severely taxed in this area.’

Elsie Catherine Lucie Spear worked for W.D. & H.O. Wills as a cigarette packer, one of eponymous ‘Wills Girls’ who lived in the local area. Spear herself lived at 71 Greville Road and as such was not an immediate neighbour to the Edgell family but doubtless knew them. Here selflessness earned her the B.E.M. alongside three employees of the local gas works whose heroics prevented in the spread of fires caused by the bombing; sold together with a silver cigarette case engraved 'Elsie Spear' as well as copied research including the recommendation for the award and articles from local newspapers relating to it.


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Sold for
£1,100

Starting price
£520