Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

Royal Army Medical Corps

Awarded on:

February 11th, 1941

Recommendation:
"On the night of the 26/27th September 1940, enemy aircraft attacked the Port of Liverpool, and in the course of the attack struck one of the grain silos at Brunswick Dock by incendiary bombs and set it on fire at the top. At the same time, the silo was hit by a high explosive bomb which entered the basement. This also caused a fire to break out, and the silo was alight born at the top and at the bottom. At approximately 1.45 am it was brought to the notice if Lieutenant Monks that a number of men who were sheltering in the basement of the grain silo had been severely injured and were trapped by falling debris, and in danger of being burnt to death by the fire then raging in the basement. The only means of access to the basement was by means of a rope ladder. Lieutenant Monks, at grave risk, without hesitation, entered the basement by means of a rope ladder and proceeded to release the men trapped, attended temporarily to their injuries, and tied them on stretchers which were hauled by means of a rope to the ground floor above. When he thought the basement was clear he left it, but on arrivel on the ground floor was informed that there was still a further man trapped in the basement. He again entered the basement, located the injured person, and affected his rescue. At this time the basement was burning furiously and debris falling all around him. This act of gallantry, undertaken at serious personal risk, was undoubtedly the means of saving the lives of at least half a dozen men."