Gidden, Ernest Oliver
- Date of birth:
- March 15th, 1910 (Hampstead, Great Britain)
- Date of death:
- December 20th, 1961 (London, Great Britain)
- Nationality:
- British
Biography
Finally promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander.
Lieutenant-Commander Gidden's medal group was exhibited by his son on the Antiques Roadshow from Sherborne School on 2nd February 2003. The expert valued the group at £16,000.
Lieutenant-Commander Gidden was Cremated at Golders Green Crematorium, London, on the 23rd December 1961. Ashes spread at plot 4 F.
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- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Temporary Lieutenant
- Unit:
- Bomb Disposal Team, HMS President, London, Royal Navy
- Awarded on:
- June 9th, 1942
On 17th April 1941 an unexploded mine dropped on Hungerford Bridge, London. Some trains were on fire and the Charing Cross Hotel was burning in the background. The underground trains had to be stopped and many buildings evacuated, including the War Office. Lieutenant Gidden (RNVR) arrived at the bridge shortly after dawn and found the mine lying across a live electric wire. After six hours Lieutenant Gidden managed to remove the fuse before the mine could explode. Lieutenant Gidden received the George Cross for his great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty.
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