GC makes £20,000

Kyt · Jun 14, 2008

BBC NEWS | England | Dorset | George Cross medal makes £20,000

A George Cross medal awarded to a carpenter who rescued two people from a burning house has sold for £20,000.

Leslie Owen Fox was part of a rescue squad in London during World War II when he saved the two people.

He heard cries for help and twice tunnelled through the wreckage of a bombed building in Fulham in 1944.

Only 106 George Cross medals were issued between 1940 and 1947, said Charterhouse auctioneers in Dorset, where the medal was sold on Friday.

Mr Fox, who was part of the West Kensington Heavy Rescue Squad, spent two hours tunnelling 15ft (4.6m) to save those trapped while a colleague sprayed him with water to help with the intense heat.

The tunnel collapsed when he went back outside to discuss a rescue plan, so he started all over again before saving the two people.

Richard Bromell, of Charterhouse auctioneers in Sherborne, Dorset, which handled the sale, said: "For many collectors they are now the Holy Grail today, as only 106 were issued between 1940 and 1947."

The George Cross is the highest gallantry award for civilians as well as members of the armed forces for acts of great heroism or courage in circumstances of extreme danger.

It ranks second only to the Victoria Cross.
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Citation:

20th February, 1945.
The KING has been graciously pleased to award the GEORGE CROSS to:—

Leslie Owen Fox, Deputy Party Leader, London County Council Heavy Rescue Service.

High explosive and incendiary bombs demolished houses and set fire to the wreckage. The walls were liable to collapse at any moment and the entire framework was well alight. Cries were heard from under the debris and Fox, without thought for himself, immediately began to tunnel his way through the blazing ruins. Debris passed back by Fox was often too hot to handle and his men continually sprayed him with water in an endeavour to keep down the almost intolerable heat from the flames. At great danger to himself Fox shored the entrance to the tunnel, adjoining which was a very dangerous party wall. After about two hours of very strenuous work and under the most difficult and dangerous conditions Fox located the casualty. Although'in a distressed condition he would not allow a relief to take his place and continued rescue operations. Shortly afterwards the dangerous wall collapsed, blocking the entrance and causing the tunnel to subside. Fox, however recommenced tunnelling, straining every muscle to expedite the work. After a further two hours work he had tunnelled 15 feet and was able to clear debris away from the head of the casualty and cover him with some sort of protection. A Medical Officer was then enabled to enter and administer restoratives to the injured man, who was eventually brought to safety. Fox performed his duty in a most gallant and determined manner and, by his courage and tenacity, saved a man from what appeared to be almost certain death.
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spidge · Jun 14, 2008

Above and beyond what is required.

Pathfinder · Jun 14, 2008

I agree spidge. He probably thought he was just doing his job, but obviously the higher ups thought he had done something extraordinary.

Nostalgair · Jun 15, 2008

"He heard cries for help and twice tunnelled through the wreckage.... "

I think this says a lot!

Cheers

Owen

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