Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Police Constable

Unit:

Liverpool Police Force, British Police Forces, Home Office, British Government

Awarded on:

May 30th, 1941

Edward Crann was on duty when several bombs caused fires in buildings in the area. After displaying tireless bravery and saving the lives of four men, he was reported to have said, “There was nothing in it. I am no stranger to bombs, because, after being wounded at Ypres in the last war, I was blown out of a hospital bed by a bomb.” Prior to receiving the GM, Crann had been awarded the Police Medal for 20 years’ service.

"During an air raid Constable Crann extinguished fires at a warehouse and an office, and was assisting the A.F.S. [Auxiliary Fire Service] at another fire when a high explosive bomb dropped on the building.

This caused the whole of the premises to collapse and become a raging inferno. The Constable, although severely shaken by the blast, searched for and found two injured and unconscious A.F.S. men. With assistance the Constable carried them to a nearby air-raid shelter. Although there was grave danger from burning timber and collapsing walls, Crann returned and at once set to work to release a man who was buried. Being without tools of any description he removed the debris with his hands and after a time was able to extricate the victim and carry him to safety.

The Constable then again returned to the burning building and rescued an injured and unconscious fireman. The Constable's unselfish and brave efforts, which were carried out in the worst possible conditions, were primarily responsible for the rescue of four men who would otherwise have lost their lives."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

For 20 years service