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Auction: 4004 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 61

George Medal, G.VI.R., (Robert Gibson), extremely fine, in Royal Mint case of issue Estimate £ 1,000-1,200 George Medal London Gazette 20.6.1950 Robert Gibson, Van Driver, Glasgow. 'A man entered the Alexandra Parade Branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland at Glasgow, presented an air pistol at the Bank Teller and demanded money. As his demands were not met he jumped on the counter and struck the Teller on the head with the pistol, jumped back to the public side of the counter and ran off. Gibson, who was driving a newspaper van, took up the chase and soon overtook the fugitive. Gibson left the van but the man drew a knife from one pocket and an air pistol from the other and ordered him back into the van, jumped in beside him and told him to drive on, all the time presenting the pistol at him. Gibson made the excuse that there was a block in the road straight ahead and drove to a police box at which two men were working. The fugitive at once left the van where-upon Gibson caught him from the rear and threw him to the ground on his back. The man was still holding the pistol in his right hand but Gibson spreadeagled himself across the man and held on to each wrist. One of the workmen took the firearm from the man and called the police. The suspect continued struggling and bit Gibson on the right cheek and on the right thumb. The man eventually gained the upper position, drew a knife from his coat pocket and stabbed Gibson four times in the back. He then ran off but Police Officers in a car, summoned by the telephone call from the workman, arrived at this stage and the suspect was arrested. Gibson acted with courage and promptness and gave valuable assistance to the police in securing the arrest of an armed and dangerous criminal.'

Sold for
£1,700