Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Section Leader

Unit:

Section Bermondsey-London, Civil Defence Rescue Service

Awarded on:

July 17th, 1945

Citation:
"As the result of enemy action a house was demolished and people were trapped in the wreckage.
The collapse of the walls caused four floors to pancake with the contents of the rooms between.
Hemming put his party to work and a man was found in a V-shaped void. He was completely encased in debris and furniture, some of which was supporting the floor above. By slow and patient work Hemming burrowed his way down through the mass of beams, masonry and plaster. Working head downwards he removed the debris and broke out the furniture around the victim until it was found that he was pinned down by a main timber which was fixed to a floor. Any movement of this beam would have brought about a complete collapse of the structure with fatal results to both.
Despite the apparent hopelessness of the situation and the added danger of coal gas which was escaping from a damaged pipe nearby, Hemming, still working head downwards, slowly and carefully removed the debris from beneath the man's body until, after three hours, he was released.
Although from the outset, it appeared impossible to effect a rescue, Hemming refused to abandon the victim and, with great gallantry and determination, successfully accomplished a task seemingly beyond human endurance."

LG 37181/3675.