Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria. To coincide with the OMRS Convention

The unique first type George V Edward Medal (Industry) in Silver awarded to Harry Parsons, for gallantry in attempting to save life at a Barrow steel works in 1912

Edward Medal (Industry), G.V.R., 1st Class, silver, 1st issue with 1st type reverse (Harry Parsons) very fine £1000-1200

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 December 1912: His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Edward Medal of the First Class to Harry Parsons and the Edward Medal of the Second Class to Ernest Cannell, Thomas Evans and John Robinson, also to allow the Edward Medal of the Second Class to be presented to the widows of William Ackred and George Bagnall under the following circumstances:-

‘On the 4th August 1912, a gas flue, which is a thousand yards long and 6 feet in diameter, was in process of cleaning at the Barrow Hematite Steel Works, when a workman engaged in the operation entered the tube contrary to orders to recover a broken rake. He was immediately overcome by the gas, as were also two fellow workmen, William Ackred and George Bagnall, who went to his assistance. Harry Parsons twice entered the flue at great risk to his life, and, with the help of Ernest Cannell, Thomas Evans and John Robinson, succeeded in bringing out the three men, who had been overcome and who all unhappily lost their lives.’

Parsons, together with the three other men, was present at an investiture by King George V at Buckingham Palace in December 1912, when he and the others were presented with their awards. All four men were also presented with gold watches, suitably inscribed, at a ceremony in the Banquet Hall at Barrow Town Hall on 17 November 1912. The presentations were made by the Mayor, the watches having been given by the Barrow Hematite Steel Company in recognition of their bravery.

Only one silver and eleven bronze medals with the George V obverse and first design reverse were awarded. This reverse was designed by Kathleen Bruce who married Captain R. F. Scott, C.V.O., R.N., the famous explorer, and who was later created Lady Scott in recognition of her husband’s services. Sold with full research, including numerous copied extracts from the Barrow News and the Barrow Herald.