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Auction: 9024 - The Property of a Gentleman Orders, Decorations and Campaign Medals
Lot: 701

Edward Medal (Mines), G.V.R., 1st type, bronze (George Lofthouse), very fine, mounted as originally worn Estimate £ 700-800 E.M. London Gazette 16.7.1915 George Lofthouse, ´´On the 4th of August, 1914, blasting operations were in progress at the bottom of a pit at Wingate, County Durham, 21 feet deep. The morning shift had fired three charges of gunpowder (between 30 and 40 pounds) at the bottom of the pit, and, when a man belonging to the afternoon shift was let down in a kibble or tub at 12.30, he was overcome by the fumes. His mate at the top shouted for assistance, and Lofthouse, who was not concerned in the operation in the pit, but was working some distance away, immediately ran to the pit and went down the rope to attempt a rescue. He got hold of the man and signalled to be raised, but, almost as soon as the kibble was lifted, both men fell out. Those at the top swung the kibble to and fro in order to clear away the fumes, and eventually, about 1.15, both men were brought out. Artificial respiration was resorted to; Lofthouse did not gain consciousness until two hours later, and the other man could not be revived. Lofthouse was experienced in the use of explosives and knew the danger of descending into the fumes, and his action was, therefore, extremely courageous.´´

Sold for
£1,800