Lot 3783

Description

George Medal (GVIR) first type 1940-1947. James Ellis Fletcher. Engraved. Extremely fine.

James Ellis Fletcher Constable Port of London Authority Police. George Medal supplement to the London Gazette: 24Jan1941 p481. Date of the incident 07Sep1940. 'When a large force of enemy airplanes dropped HE and incendiary bombs on London Docks many fires were started endangering a Naval ammunition magazine. Inspector McHugh and Constables Turner, Barr, Odell and Fletcher reached the magazine by a fairway 10 feet wide between the flames and a corrugated iron shed. Having gained access, the party were met with intense heat from the interior walls. They removed the ammunitionby the use of a dockers truck and manhandled the cases to a place of safety. The operation occupied about half an hour and besides preserving the ammunition, probably saved the lives of many families since large blocks of tenements were within 100 yards of the magazine which might have exploded at any moment. The action of these men was carried out in circumstances of extreme danger and without regard for their own safety'. Eight members of the P.L.A. were awarded the George Medal during W.W.II. With photograhs, copy of London Gazette (Supp) and other documentation.