Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry 216


The ‘mine rescue’ George Cross (exchange Edward Medal) awarded to Sydney Blackburn, a Shotfirer at the Barnsley Main Colliery, Yorkshire, who guided survivors to safety and gave assistance to injured men after an explosion occurred at the mine in May 1947, killing 9 men and injuring 23


George Cross (Sydney Blackburn 1947) mounted on original investiture pin and in its Royal Mint case of issue; Jubilee 1977, unnamed as issued in its Royal Mint card box of issue; together with St John Ambulance Association re- examination medal (A156023 Sidney Blackburn) with 7 dated bars 1954-62, all named, and The Carnegie Hero Fund Trust, certificate on vellum ‘Presented by the Trustees to Sidney Blackburn, Worsborough Bridge, near Barnsley, in recognition of Heroic Endeavour to Save Human Life on 7th May 1947’, extremely fine (2)


£10,000-£12,000


Blackburn having received his Edward Medal at Buckingham Palace


Edward Medal London Gazette 21 November 1947:


‘The King has been pleased to award the Edward Medal to Harry Crummack and Sydney Blackburn in recognition of their gallantry in the following circumstances:- An explosion occurred at Barnsley Main Colliery at about 12.15 p.m. on Wednesday the 7th May last. Harry Crummack, Chargeman Filler, and Sydney Blackburn, Shotfirer, were at the end of the face away from the resulting flame; Crummack was blown over by a great gust of wind caused by the explosion but quickly recovered and with Blackburn, despite fumes and dust, assembled men who had scrambled from the face and led them to a place of safety. Returning they found a number of injured men to whom they gave assistance and then proceeded through fumes and clouds of dust in search of others. Both men, while taking every reasonable precaution, continued to disregard their own personal safety in their efforts to ensure that none of the victims were left unattended in the danger area.’


Harry Crummack and Sydney Blackburn were both decorated with the Edward Medal by King George VI and an Investiture at Buckingham Palace on 16 December 1947. Only Sydney Blackburn lived long enough for his Medal to be converted to the George Cross, which took place at an Investiture at Buckingham Palace on 8 November 1972, when he received the G.C. from the Queen.


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