Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

ARP Eastbourne, Air Raid Precautions (ARP), Home Office, British Government

Awarded on:

January 17th, 1941

Citation:
“As a result of a raid by enemy aircraft three houses were completely demolished and several persons were trapped under the wreckage. The efforts of the Fire Brigade were a great contributing factor to the ultimate release of five of the persons trapped. Chief Officer Phillips acted with much energy and resource, making many excursions under the wreckage, directing operations and generally encouraging his men. Rescue and other Services were immediately in action at the scene but some time later an unexploded H.E. bomb was discovered 200 feet away. In consequence volunteers were called for, Blackmer, May, Stevens and Turney were among those to volunteer.
Blackmer, Stevens and Turney were concerned in the work of penetrating the wall of a cellar, through a matchboard refrigerator lined with cork and then through another 12 inch concrete wall. This work was carried out in dangerous conditions, in a very confined space with the constant peril of heavy falling debris. Through these efforts, three of the persons trapped were rescued. May laboured unceasingly throughout the night in a most gallant manner.
Blackmer and Turney were overcome with the cold and the effects of escaping gas and water in the cellar and had to be taken to the Depot. Some time later, however, they returned to work and gave strenuous aid to the task of releasing a young girl who was pinned down by timber and debris, a weight which six jacks had failed to move. After heavy toil, the timber was at last lifted. The whole of this courageous action was carried out in appalling conditions. In their efforts, which greatly contributed to the ultimate rescue of five of the seven trapped persons, these men laboured in an atmosphere rendered foul by escaping gas, in a cellar filling with water. Further they worked for a great part of the period with the knowledge that there was a delayed-action bomb only 200 feet away.”

Simultaneously awarded to:
Sydney Albert Phillips
Alfred Ernest Blackmer
Edwin Humphrey May
Ernest Lawson Turney