Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Second War ‘Plymouth Blitz’ B.E.M. pair awarded to Auxiliary Fireman W. A. Edgecombe, Plymouth Auxiliary Fire Service, for his gallantry in fighting fire at the Plymouth Corporation Transport Depot during the Luftwaffe raid of 29/30 April 1941 - ‘during these operations, in addition to the men previously referred to being injured, Larson, Peace and Edgecombe suffered considerably from the effect of blast and flying debris, and although complaining of pain, refused to leave their posts until the fires had been extinguished.

Auxiliary Fireman Edgecombe at that time was on the point of collapse but refused to go to hospital until he had returned to his Station with the engine. He was then conveyed to hospital, where it was found that the ligaments of his right leg had been severed and an operation was necessary.’

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (William Albert Edgecombe); Fire Brigade L.S. & G.C., E.II.R. (Fireman William A. Edgecombe) with flattened named lid of card box of issue; together with the recipient’s St. John Ambulance Association Re-Examination Cross, bronze, the reverse engraved ‘A110449 William A. Edgecombe’, generally good very fine (3) £600-£800

B.E.M. London Gazette 22 August 1941 (jointly listed with A. W. Larson and J. F. C. Peace, both of the Plymouth Police Fire Brigade, Edgecombe being an Auxiliary Fireman of the Plymouth Auxiliary Fire Service):

‘Bombs caused several large fires at an Omnibus Depot. Fire Inspector Larson was in charge of the operations which were rendered difficult and dangerous by burning oil and exploding petrol tanks. Larson, Police Fireman Peace and Auxiliary Fireman Edgecombe took up the most dangerous positions and after three hours succeeded in subduing the flames.

During the whole of this period high explosive and incendiary bombs were being dropped and the three men suffered considerably from the effect of blast and flying debris but refused to give up. They set a very fine example of fire fighting in conditions where there was great risk of death or injury.’

The report of the incident provided by the Chief Constable and Chief Officer of the Fire Brigade (G. S. Lowe) adds the following detail:

‘On the night of the 29th/30th April, 1941, one of the enemy targets during an Air Raid on Plymouth lasting for nearly four hours, was the Plymouth Corporation Transport Depot situated in the Devonport area. This Depot accommodates the undertaking’s omnibuses, offices, repair plant, etc.

Several large fires broke out at this Depot involving a considerable number of Public Service Vehicles, and a large portion of the premises. Fire Inspector Larson, who was in charge of the operations succeeded in preventing the fire spreading, and after three hours had the fire well under control. During the whole of this period, this area was under continuous attack by high explosive and incendiary bombs, in addition to which a number of land mines were dropped.

Several firemen were injured during these operations and removed to hospital, water supplies were damaged and the fire operations were rendered more difficult due to the bursting of omnibus tyres, burning oil and exploding petrol tanks.

Although the Depot itself was struck several times by high explosive bombs, Larson maintained his efforts to extinguish the fire by his example of courage and coolness in face of great danger.

He, together with Police Fireman Peace and Auxiliary Fireman Edgecombe at all times themselves took up the most dangerous positions and continued their work with such effort that the fire was prevented from spreading, with the result that the Offices, a large portion of the Stores and the bulk of rolling stock was saved.

During these operations, in addition to the men previously referred to being injured, Larson, Peace and Edgecombe suffered considerably from the effect of blast and flying debris, and although complaining of pain, refused to leave their posts until the fires had been extinguished.

Auxiliary Fireman Edgecombe at that time was on the point of collapse but refused to go to hospital until he had returned to his Station with the engine. He was then conveyed to hospital, where it was found that the ligaments of his right leg had been severed and an operation was necessary.

I was present at this incident until the fires were brought under control, and was impressed by the outstanding ability and leadership of Fire Inspector Larson and the courage and devotion to duty of Fireman Peace and Auxiliary Fireman Edgecombe.

Other firemen present rendered excellent service, but the work of these three men, particularly under such dangerous conditions was outstanding. By their example and high effort, many thousands of pounds worth of transport stock were saved.

I have observed the quality of Fire Inspector Larson’s work on previous occasions. He has consistently shown fearlessness in face of danger and perseverance when the position has appeared hopeless, and he has not spared himself in rendering continued service of a very high standard.

These three men have set a very fine example of fire fighting under conditions where the risk of death or injury was great.’

William Albert Edgecombe resided at 23 Beatrice Avenue, St. Judas, Plymouth. He was a milkman prior to the war, and joined the Auxiliary Fire Service on 1 September 1939. Edgecombe transferred as a regular fireman to the City of Plymouth Fire Brigade on 1 August 1941. He was forced to retire on medical grounds in November 1963, this being as a consequence of a prolapsed disc condition, which he had accidentally received whilst on fire-fighting duties.

Sold with the following original documentation: Letter from the Ministry of Home Service informing recipient of the award of his B.E.M., dated 21 August 1941; letter of reference for recipient provided by the Chief Fire Officer of the City of Plymouth on the occasion of his discharge from the service on medical grounds, dated 8 November 1963; newspaper cuttings, and a photograph of recipient and his family outside of Buckingham Palace investiture. Sold with copied research.