George Cross

Announcing the new award, the King said: “In order that they should be worthily and promptly recognised, I have decided to create, at once, a new mark of honour for men and women in all walks of civilian life. I propose to give my name to this new distinction, which will consist of the George Cross, which will rank next to the Victoria Cross, and the George Medal for wider distribution. 

The Warrant for the GC (along with that of the GM), dated 24 January 1941, was published in the London Gazette on 31 January 1941.

The GC was intended to replace the Empire Gallantry Medal (EGM); all holders of the EGM were instructed to exchange their medals for a GC, a substitution of awards unprecedented in the history of British decorations. This substitution policy ignored holders of the Albert Medal (AM) and the Edward Medal (EM), awards which both took precedence over the EGM.The anomaly was only rectified in 1971, when the surviving recipients of the AM and the EM were invited to exchange their award for the George Cross. Of the 64 holders of the Albert Medal and 68 holders of the Edward Medal eligible to exchange, 49 and 59 respectively took up the option.

The George Cross, which may be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.”

The cross is primarily a civilian award; however the George Cross may be awarded to military personnel for gallant conduct which is not in the face of the enemy. As the Warrant states:

The Cross is intended primarily for civilians and award in Our military services is to be confined to actions for which purely military Honours are not normally granted.

4445289 Sergeant 

Michael Gibson

9 Bomb Disposal Company

George Cross

Royal Engineers

The Recommendation is from file WO373/66/689 held at the Nation Archives.

Placed in the London Gazette on 21 January 1941. Supplement 35050. Page 461.

On 14th September 1940, a large unexploded bomb fell in an important factory. Excavation supervised by Sergeant Gibson began, during which time another bomb which had dropped nearby exploded. Despite the knowledge that the bomb on which he was engaged was of a similar type the N.C.O. persevered and eventually, the bomb was uncovered. On uncovering it an unusual hissing noise was heard coming from the bomb, whereupon Sergeant Gibson sent his men away and immediately set to work on the fuze. This he extracted safely and the bomb was eventually removed. His prompt and courageous action saved a very dangerous situation.

Initially recommended for the Military Medal (Immediate Award) by Colonel L .G. Trench. D.S.O C.M.G Commanding Birmingham and South Staffs Sub-Area on the 07 January 1940.

Awarded the George Medal

144910 Temporary Major

Cyril Arthur Joseph Martin

George Cross, Military Cross

Bomb Disposal

Royal Engineers

23rd July 1897 to 27th November 1973

The Recommendation is from file WO373/67/523 held at the Nation Archives.

Placed in the London Gazette on the 9th March 1943. Supplement 35934. Page 1175.

During the air attack on London on the night 17/18th January 1943., a large caliber bomb fell in the warehouse of the Victorian Haulage Company at Battersea and after tearing its way through the roof girders, machines and packing cases, came to rest unexploded immediately beneath the bedplate of a very large lathe. From the beginning of the Blitz and during the heavy raids of 1940/41, Major Martin carried out Bomb Disposal work and dealt with a large number of unexploded bombs during this period. 

Owing to the fact that the warehouse was full of new and heavy machine tools from the U.S.A the Ministry of Supply applied to the Regional Commissioner for Category A1. This was granted and on the morning of the 18th January 1943, a working party began disposal operations. During the day of 18th January, another Category A1 bomb had been found to contain an entirely new type of fuze which, on examination, during the night 18/19th January, was found to embody characteristics which indicated it not only to be more formidable as an anti-handling and a booby trap than any other type so far met but to be proof against any known technique or equipment. On the same night, the bomb at Battersea was identified as a 500 kilogram with two fuzes and the casing so distorted as to render their withdrawal impossible and on further investigation one of the fuzes was found to be of the new type. This necessitated shutting down the machinery of a large flour mill next door to the Victorian Haulage Company, owing to excessive vibration, and work on the bomb was temporarily suspended.

In view of the urgent necessity for getting the flour mill to work again and for removing the threat to the machinery of the utmost importance to the war effort, it was decided to attempt the remove the base plate of the bomb and extract the main explosive filling. Major Martin, who was fully aware of the extremely formidable characteristics of the new fuze, undertook the task and assisted by Lieutenant Deans on the 20th January, succeeded in removing the base plate only to find the bomb contained solid case T.N.T., which could only be removed by the application of high-pressure steam. It was considered that the risk of detonating the bomb would be too great if the normal steaming out process was used by remote control owing to the very high temperature generated and the excessive force of the steam jet, the effect of which on a possibly loosened fuze pocket could not be foreseen. It was decided, therefore, that the only way was to apply the steam nozzle by hand and only long enough at a time to soften the T.N.T sufficiently to allow it to be scraped away in small quantities. This not only entailed further excavation to make the working space and supporting the bomb in such a way that it could not slip or be inadvertently moved but also involved two men to be constantly in the bomb pit to manipulate the steam and cooling water pipes and to scrape away softened explosives. This extremely hazardous work was undertaken by Major Martin who, assisted by Lieutenant Dean and, worked continuously from the afternoon of Wednesday 20 January, through the night until 0830am on the 21st January, by which time that had succeeded in removing the entire main filling of cast T.N.T. from the bomb. The work was carried out in a cramped hole filled with steam and water in which they had to lie alongside the bomb for nearly 24 hours, during which time both officers had every reason to believe they were in extreme danger. Throughout the long and hazardous operation, Major Martin displayed cold-blooded courage and tenacity of purpose with complete disregard for the appalling risks involved.

Another 500-kilogram bomb fell on the night of 17/18th January 1943 and came to rest 8 to 10 feet under the road surface in a side street adjacent to the Old Kent Road. This was subsequently found to contain one of the new types of fuzes. On Tuesday 2 February 1943, Major Martin using a newly developed technique and apparatus attempted to withdraw the fuze. The fuze was stuck fast and on force being applied the head of the fuze broke off leaving the body inside the fuze pocket. In order to avoid attempting to remove through the streets in a potentially dangerous condition and to try out for experimental purposes a method of rendering the damaged fuze safe, Major Martin undertook the task of operating on the fuze with improvised apparatus and tools and was fully aware of the danger involved. The successful completion of the operation called for the utmost care, cool courage, and dogged perseverance under conditions of great physical and mental strain over a long period.

On Thursday 4 February 1943, Major Martin was superintending the use of newly developed apparatus on another 500-kilogram unexploded bomb containing one of the new type of fuses. The bomb was lying at the bottom of a deep and badly ventilated shaft underneath a house. The process had reached a critical stage, and an officer under instruction by Major Martin was at the bottom of the shaft making final preparations when he found his clothing to be on fire and flames coming from the apparatus on the bomb. The officer managed to climb up the ladder which was now also on fire and give warning. Major Martin, assisted by another officer put out the flames coming from the apparatus on the bomb and despatched the officer to hospital. The cause of the fire was unknown but was thought to be connected to certain chemicals used in the new process. Notwithstanding this Major Martin went to the bottom of the shaft and continued work until the fuze had been successfully dealt with. As he did not know the actual cause of the fire and realised the probability of a recurrence with grave risk of subsequent detonation, to continue this operation called for courage and endurance of a very high order.

Since the night of 17/18th January 1943, Major Martin has rendered invaluable assistance by carrying out trials of newly developed apparatus on eight bombs found to contain fuzes of the new type so far with complete success, but in all cases the element of grave personal risk has been high, calling for sustained courage and tenacity of purpose over long periods of time. 

Major Martin has been intimately concerned on Bomb Disposal operations in the London Area since September 1940. During the heavy raids of 1940/41, he personally dealt with a large number of unexploded bombs many of which were of the delayed action type. his contributions to the technical development of Bomb Disposal techniques has been valuable and at all times he has displayed the same cool deliberate courage with complete disregard for personal danger. Recommended for the George Cross.

Major C.A.J. Martin’s George Cross was awarded for multiple acts. 

Major Martin’s citation reads; The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Cross, in recognition of most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner. Martin had received a Military Cross during World War 1, as a 2nd Lieutenant in the RGA Special Reserve. The London Gazette reads for this award; For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, he with two men extinguished a burning ammunition dump, under heavy and continuous fire, while overheated ammunition exploded nearby, he showed great coolness and resource.

Further information.

Lieutenant R.W. Deans assisted in this operation, he was awarded a George Medal see separate entry., 

Doctor Arthur Douglas Merriman
Part Time Experimental Officer
Directorate of Scientific Supply Research
Ministry of Supply
Bomb Disposal
Royal Engineers from 1942.
George Cross, Order of the British Empire
25th November 1892 to 4th November 1972.

Placed in the London Gazette on the 3rd December 1940. A brief explanation is necessary  to explain Dr A.D. Merrimans inclusion under Royal Engineer Bomb Disposal, George Cross awards. Dr Merriman received an emergency general list commission in December 1940. He was sent to the C in C Middle East as Assistant Director Bomb Disposal. In 1942 he was transferred to the Royal Engineers. Late 1942 he was a Major, (Temporary Lt Colonel) Dr Merriman was awarded the George Cross for; As an Experimental Officer, for the Directorate of Scientific Research, who tackled some of the first bombs to fall on Britain early in the summer of 1941. Supposedly Merriman was only part time in his position, with predominantly Office duties, he in fact on many occasions dealt with dangerous bombs at the request of the War Office and Air Ministry, in these roles he was a volunteer. As Director General of Scientific Research, he on the 11th September 1940 dealt with a bomb, which had fallen in Regent Street, London.The bomb was heard to be ticking as they started work, they all were aware that this meant the bomb was on its countdown to explode. The decision was made to remove as much of the explosive filling as possible before that happened. This would reduce the damage and make the bomb relatively harmless. They worked till the last moment, the timing was perfect, at the last moment they got away and the only damage was some broken windows. Doctor A.D. Merriman’s citation reads; The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Cross, for conspicuous gallantry in connection with Bomb Disposal.

Lieutenant

Edward Womersley Reynolds

George Cross

101 and 102 Bomb Disposal Sections

Royal Engineers

27th June 1917 to 16th December 1955

No file located at the National Archives source of information from tracesofwar.com

Placed in the London Gazette on the 17th of September 1940. Supplement 34947. Page 5537

On the 17th August 1940, a 250-kilo bomb fell in a garden amongst some council houses: It did not explode and Lieut Reynolds was sent to investigate. On digging down 17 ft. he found that it had a new type of fuze about which no instructions had at that time been received. Finding that traffic was suspended on the road and that the inhabitants had had to be cleared out of their houses, he removed the fuze and found that it had a clockwork delayed action. The risk that he took was great, and merit of his action was the greater for lack of exact knowledge of the type of fuze he was dealing with.

On 1 September 1940, a large bomb fell in a street just before midnight it wrecked the front of some business premises and was supposed to have exploded. About 16.30 hours on the 3 September, a 250-kilo unexploded bomb was found in the debris. Lieut Reynolds was at once summoned, found that it had a clockwork fuze which was still ticking and according to orders applied to Regional H.Q. for instructions suggesting that the sooner it was dealt with the better, and stating that he was willing to do so forthwith. In view of the damage to property that would have been caused by the explosion of such a large bomb in such a congested area and especially of the possible effect on the public morale, permission was given and Lieutenant Reynold immediately extracted the fuze and rendered the bomb inoperative. The risk in doing this was very considerable.

Initially, the award was the Empire Gallantry Medal exchanged later for the George Cross for the above operations. Lieutenant Reynolds was also awarded the Burma Star, Defence Medal 1939-45, War Medal 1939-45

100411Second Lieutenant Ellis Edward Arthur Chetwynd Talbot 103 Bomb Disposal Section Royal Engineers George Cross Member of the British Empire.1939-45 Star, Africa Star, War Medal 1939-45 22nd March 1920 to 9th October 1941. Placed in the London Gazette on the 17th September 1940.2nd Lt Talbot on the 24th and 25th of August 1940 was present for the whole period, when a bomb was dug down to, the recovery of this took twelve and a half hours.On reaching the bomb, it was brought to the surface and Talbot investigated and found it was of a delayed action type. He ordered his men to safety.The bomb was found to be of a new type and Talbot decided to move it to a place were it would cause no damage if it exploded. He kept his men at a safe distance and placing the bomb upon his shoulder carried it 200 yards to a safe spot. At all times there was a risk of the bomb exploding. Lt Talbot set a fine example of courage and devotion to duty.2nd Lieutenant Talbot’s citation reads; The King has been graciously pleased to award the Medal of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. This was later exchanged for the George Cross.Lt Talbot was killed on the 9th September 1941 near Sicily, whist a passenger on a RAF Blenheim, on a bombing raid.

1942531 Sapper
George Cameron Wylie
Bomb Disposal
Royal Engineers
George Cross
25th December 1908 to 1st February 1987

On the 12th September 1940 a 2,000kg bomb landed close to St Pauls Cathedral. Sapper Wylie located the bomb in embedded in the soil in Deans yard.Due to its weight and the soft soil, the job of removing the bomb from the ground was an arduous task, which took three days. The task was made that bit more hazardous by a broken gas main, on fire, being nearby.Wylie and his team removed the bomb from the ground and placed it on a lorry that Wylie drove himself, with Lt Davis to Hackney Marshes, where it was detonated by an controlled  explosion. The crater was 100ft, what damage would this have caused to St Pauls.Wylies citation reads; The KING has been graciously pleased to award the George Cross, to Sapper Wylie, The actual discovery and removal of the bomb fell to him. Sapper Wylie’s untiring energy, courage, and disregard for danger were an outstanding example to his comrades.