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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 671

A Second World War B.E.M. to J. McKenna, a member of the A.R.P. Rescue party in Glasgow, who on 14 March 1941 worked for many hours moving and lifting heavy timbers to enable trapped people to be released

British Empire Medal, G.VI.R. (James McKenna), extremely fine

B.E.M. London Gazette 30 May 1941.

'A bomb partly demolished a two storey tenament and persons were trapped. The remaining walls and an overhanging portion of roof were in a highly dangerous condition. Despite this McKenna entered the ruins and worked untiringly and unceasingly moving and lifting heavy timbers and other debris while those trapped were released.'

The award was recommended by the Chief Engineer of Glasgow

'Shortly after 1 a.m. on 14th March, 1941, McKenna's party was called to a tenement at 101, Logan Street, Glasgow, which had been partly demolished by a parachute mine. With Police Constable Archibald Walker, who has been awarded the George Medal for his gallantry on this occasion, he entered the building, the walls and roof of which were in a highly dangerous condition, and until 3 a.m. worked untiringly to release 5 trapped persons. He materially assisted Constable Walker, in conditions of equal danger, in releasing 2 of the 5 persons alive.'

Copy of Police Reports:

'With reference to the Chief Constable's General Order No. 210/3/41 of 14th instant, I beg to report for the information of the Chief Constable, particulars of the actions of Archibald Campbell Walker, Reg. No. H.3., number 293 Constable of the Central Division, following the explosion of a parachute mine in Logan Street at Kilbride Street, about 12.30 a.m. on 14th March, 1941.

Constable Walker proceeded on duty at 2 p.m. on 13th March, and reported off duty in accordance with instructions, during the progress of an aerial attack on the City, at 12.20 a.m. on 14th march. Thereafter, while the Constable was proceeding homewards, a parachute mine dropped at the junction of Logan Street and Kilbride Stret, demolishing, among other damage, a portion of a two storey tenement dwelling. The Constable, who had been passing along Polmadie Road, about one hundred yards from the scene of the explosion, immediately proceeded to the incident. An express message was sent out to the Report Centre and the required Civil Defence services were soon on the spot. These included a Rescue Party from number 5 Depot, Titwood Road.

A bomb partly demolished a two story tenement and five persons were trapped in debris at what remained of the property at 101 Logan Street. Roof timbers, beams, doors and other heavy materials were bearing down on the trapped persons. The remaining walls and an overhanging portion of roof were in a highly dangerous condition. Despite this, Constable Walker entered the ruins along with James McKenna Rescue Party worker, residing at 70 Greenview Street, Glasgow, and together they worked untiringly and unceasingly till about 3 a.m., moving and lifting and holding heavy timbers and other debris for long periods while those trapped were released. Of the five persons so released, three were found dead and the remaining two seriously injured.

I saw Constable Walker and McKenna at work on the incident and in addition to being personally much impressed, Ioverheard several spontaneous remarks of genuine admiration of the Constable's conduct uttered by various Civil Defence workers.

David Gilmour, leader of Rescue Party from No.5 Depot, Titwod Road, and Sergeant uncan Campbell, the Incident Officer, from each of whom statements are submitted, both speak in the highest terms of the gallant conduct of Constable Walker and Mr. Gilmour also gives praise to James McKenna of his Rescue party for the outstanding work performed by him.

I feel that in acting as he did, Constable Walker set a magnificent example to all other Civil Defence workers present. His conduct, im my opinion, is well worthy of recommendation for the award of the George Medal.

With regard to the actions of the Rescue party worker, James McKenna, I feel that while he was only performing his alloted task, his work, at this incident was also praiseworthy and I respectfully suggest that he be considered for a commendation

(Sgd.) George McLean Lieutenant.

Constable Walker was appointed to this Force on 5th July, 1937. He is a married man, 27 years of age, and has served in the Central Division from the date of his transfer from the Training School. He has a clear record and is regarded by his supervising Offcers as a promising young Constable. I agree with Lieutenant McLean that this is a case well worthy of recommendation for the award of the George Medal.

As regards the actions of James McKenna, Rescue Party worker, the part which he played was certainly only what should be expected of a Rescue Party worker, but he appears to have performed his task exceedingly well and displayed exceptional devotion to duty. I also agree with Lieutenant McLean that he seems worthy of being recommended for a commendation.

(Sgd) James Storrier Superintendent.'

The medal housed in envelope and card box of issue, sold with copied recommendations and London Gazette entry.

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Sold for
£700

Starting price
£110