Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Overlooker

Unit:

Royal Ordnance Factory, Ministry of Supply, British Government

Awarded on:

April 4th, 1944

"Foreman Hudson and Overlooker Hall were in a building in charge of the mixing of explosives. This process starts with the mixing and heating of high explosive in an incorporator. During a test Hall saw flames coming from under the charging door of the incorporator. He called Hudson who, having verified .that the mixture was on fire, sent the operatives from the building and ordered Hall to bring sand. Hudson stood on the platform of the incorporate! and, helped by Hall, threw the sand on the fire as it was brought to him. To do this it was necessary practically to bend over the fire. The mixture was liable to explode at any moment and had the fire spread the building would, without any doubt, have been wrecked. These men voluntarily faced great danger in remaining in a building containing a large quantity of explosives, but they continued until the flames were subdued and the fire was finally extinguished. It was due to the cool courage of Hudson and Ha'll that the building with its valuable equipment and stock of explosives was saved."