Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

ARP Hackney, Air Raid Precautions (ARP), Home Office, British Government

Awarded on:

May 23rd, 1941

"People were trapped under the wreckage of houses demolished by bombs. Vanderleit was lowered into a small hole despite the dangerous condition of the debris which was liable to slip and collapse at any moment. He found a woman and, supporting her with one arm, gave her refreshment which was passed down through a tube by a Doctor. Other members of the squad then worked to reach Vanderleit and the trapped woman. This took four hours owing to the loose and dangerous state of the wreckage. During this time Vanderleit continued to support the casualty and protect her from the slipping debris. He displayed outstanding courage and devotion to duty and through his efforts the woman was extricated alive."