A scarce silver Edward Medal (Mines) awarded to James Erskine, for gallantry in a rescue at the Cowdenbeath Colliery in Fife, in July 1917

Edward Medal (Mines), G.V.R., 1st Class, silver, 1st issue (James Erskine) nearly very fine £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Awards to Civilians from the Collection of John Tamplin.

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E.M. 1st Class London Gazette 17 July 1917: His Majesty the King has been pleased to award the Edward Medal of the 1st Class to George Shearer Christie, James Erskine, David Baird, Andrew Scott, Edward McCafferty and John Boyle.

‘On the 20th January, 1917, at about 10 a.m., while operations were being conducted for the widening of a shaft at the Cowdenbeath Colliery, Fife, a portion of the side of the shaft collapsed, throwing a workman named Newton down the mine to a scaffold about 90 feet below.

Scott, McCafferty and Baird at once descended in a large bucket or kettle to attempt a rescue. The whole of the shaft below the point at which the fall had occurred was in a highly dangerous condition; stones and rubbish were continually falling, and there was constant danger of a further collapse. Newton was found, alive and conscious, buried beneath about 12 feet of debris and pinned by some fallen timber. The men worked continuously from 10.45 a.m. until 7 p.m. They were joined at 11 a.m. by Christie, and at 1.30 p.m. by Erskine, both of whom remained at work with the others until 7 p.m. During the whole of this period all five men were in serious danger.

At 12.45 Boyle descended in the kettle with two other men. While the kettle was descending a fall occurred, killing one of his companions and injuring the another. Boyle drew the kettle to the side of the shaft until the fall was over, and then took the kettle again to the surface. He subsequently remained in charge of the kettle, exposed to constant danger, until 7 p.m.

At 7 p.m., after 9 hours continuous and highly dangerous labour, the rescue party was relieved by other men. Unfortunately, Newton died ay 8.30 p.m. Attempts to recover his body were then postponed until the shaft could be worked with greater safety.’

James Erskine lived at Downside House, Hill of Beath, Crossgates, and received his medal, with the others, at Buckingham Palace from the hands of King George V, on Saturday, 20 October 1917. He was also the recipient of an Honorary Certificate and the sum of £20 from the Carnegie Hero Fund. Sold with extensive research including many copied contemporary newspaper accounts.