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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 670

A Great War Medal of the Order of the British Empire awarded to Sergeant J. W. Edwards, E (Holborn) Division, Metropolitan Special Constabulary, for his gallantry in saving life after the disastrous bombing of Odhams on Long Acre, Covent Garden, 28 January 1918

Medal of the Order of the British Empire, Civil Division (J. W. Edwards. 1921.), engraved naming, suspension replaced with dual rings, very fine

Medal of the Order of the British Empire London Gazette 12 October 1920. The original recommendation (TNA HO 45/11071/380323 refers) states:

'Joined as Constable in August 1914. Is now a Sub-Inspector, has performed 608 duties, still reports daily. He was present at most Air Raids as a member of my Ambulance Section, in which he had done excellent work at all times. But it is in connection with the Raid which took place on 28 January 1918 at Odham's that I wish to specially bring his name forward.

He was on the scene within a minute or so of the bomb dropping. He at once grasped the situation and with himself, Heffer, Macaulay and others [they] broke open a yard where hand-barrows are kept for hire, and with these were able to remove some seven or eight cases to hospital before the regular ambulance arrived. He was of the greatest assistance to Mr Wallis in extracting dead and dying from the building at very great personal risk, and I am glad to be able to put his services on record.'

In the early hours of 28/29 January 1918, a bomb dropped from the giant R-12 exploded n the basement of the Odhams Print Works on Long Acre, Covent Garden, London. The basement was being used as an air raid shelter. Some 38 were killed and at least 85 injured, the largest loss of life from a single bomb during the Great War.

The date engraved upon this Medal likely reflects that the investiture for this award took place in 1921.

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Sold for
£800

Starting price
£210