Walker, Cephas Percy

Date of birth:: 1904
Date of death:: 1972
Nationality:: British

Biography

Born in 1904, Cephas Percy Walker was 37 years old at the time of his BEM award. His occupation as a Master Builder allowed him to understand the construction of buildings and how safe or unsafe damaged buildings were and how to operate safely when trying to rescue people or extract fatalities with the least risk of further collapse. He was the Team Leader of the Section.
Cephas died in 1972, He left a wife and 2 Sons & 3 Daughters.

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British Empire Medal (BEM & EGM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Rescue Party Leader
Unit:: Woolwich, Civil Defence Rescue Service
Awarded on:: October 3rd, 1941

Citation:
"A building was demolished by a H.E. bomb and people were buried beneath the wreckage.
Leader Walker tunnelled under the debris and administered restoratives to a man who was pinned .down by iron beams on which were resting several slabs of concrete. To release, him Walker had to cut these slabs with a hammer, and chisel which necessitated several hours of strenuous labour. During this time he was working in the most difficult and dangerous conditions as there was a possibility of .large steel girders falling. He was repeatedly warned'of this but continued working until the victim was eventually released. Although suffering greatly from exhaustion Walker .directed operations until all the buried persons had been located.
Walker's coolness, courage and initiative were an inspiration to all who worked with him."

Civil Division.
LG 35393/5707.

Sources

Photo 1: Keith Butcher
- Supplement to The London Gazette of 30th September 1941, Issue 35293, dated 3rd October 1941, Page 5707