Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Engineer and General Manager

Unit:

The Torquay and Paignton Gas Company

Awarded on:

January 4th, 1943

"During a daylight air raid a gas holder was attacked by enemy aircraft and fierce fires resulted. Taylor, Denton and Richardson climbed to the crown and, with total disregard of personal danger, worked hard to extinguish the flames before nightfall. Their clothes often caught fire and, while encircled in flames at a height of some 120 feet, Denton and Richardson undoubtedly saved the life of a workman by pulling him back to safety as he was rolling off the edge of the crown. Denton fractured two ribs in this action but carried on with his duties.

Some weeks later another holder was bombed and subjected to severe cannon fire by enemy aircraft. The holder was burning fiercely on one half of its perimeter. Denton and Richardson again set a magnificent example of courage and devotion to duty and, as a result, the fires were extinguished, temporary repairs effected and the supply of gas in that area was uninterrupted.

Mr. Taylor was in charge of the firefighting arrangements on both occasions and his example was a great incentive and encouragement to the workers."