Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Q.G.M. and Strathclyde Bravery Medal pair awarded to G. J. Toal Esq., Assistant Manager, H. Samuels, Jewellers, Glasgow, for his gallantry in overpowering, disarming, and detaining a determined armed robber on 3 August 1987; during the course of the struggle the robber discharged his handgun three times

Queen’s Gallantry Medal (Gerald Joseph Toal); Strathclyde Regional Council Bravery Medal, silver-gilt (Mr. Gerald Joseph Toal) with integral top brooch bar, about extremely fine (2) £4,000-£5,000

Q.G.M. London Gazette 10 August 1989: Gerald Joseph Toal, Assistant Manager, H. Samuels, Jewellers, Glasgow.
‘On 3rd August 1987 at approximately 1.15 p.m. a man entered a jeweller’s shop and asked the Assistant Manager, Mr. Toal, to show him a tray of diamond rings that were on display in the window.
Mr. Toal returned to the counter with the rings to find the man pointing a handgun at him. The man grabbed the tray of rings and ran out of the shop and into the street, pursued by Mr. Toal. During the chase the gunman stopped twice, turned round and aimed the gun threateningly at Mr. Toal before running into a department store. Mr. Toal continued the chase catching up with the robber within the store. Mr. Toal tackled the gunman and a violent struggle followed, during which the gun was discharged three times, without injury. Meanwhile Mr. Toal's colleague, who had also given chase, arrived and assisted Mr. Toal to overpower, disarm and detain the robber until the arrival of the store security officer and the police.
Mr. Toal displayed devotion to duty and bravery of a high order, when, following a hold-up, and without regard for his own safety, he tackled an armed gunman, who during the struggle discharged his weapon three times before he was overpowered, disarmed and detained.’

Gerald Joseph Toal was employed as the Assistant Manager at the H. Samuels store on Argyle Street, Glasgow. He was assisted in the above incident by his colleague, Mr. Paul Douglas, who received a Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.