Archibald Cooke, Engine Driver, LMSR, George Medal Award, 18th December 1942‏

I have been asked by David and Margaret Young if anyone can anyone help to identify where the following incident occurred and if anyone has any other information concerning the incident? Archibald Cook was the grandfather of Margaret and she and her husband would like to find out more about her grandfather's and his workmates heroic acts. With so many of his colleagues being based in Birmingham one has to assume that the incident was in the Birmingham area.

The following appeared in the London Gazette on Friday 18th December 1942
Awarded the George Medal:— Archibald Cook, Engine Driver, London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company and George Herbert Simkiss, Fireman, London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company.

Awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil Division): — Richard Edward Barrett, Kitchen Porter, Birmingham. George Carter, Warden, Civil Defence Wardens Service, Birmingham. William Eric Deakin, Machinist, Birmingham. Henry Jacob Harrison, Length Ganger, London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company.

Incendiary bombs set fire to a train which was carrying high explosives. Driver Cook brought it to a standstill but could not extinguish the flames. He decided to isolate the burning van and, with the help of Simkiss, uncoupled it and drew the front portion of the train forward. It was then found that a second vehicle in the rear portion was on fire and Simkiss isolated this also. Carter, Deakin and Barrett, although they were warned of the contents of the wagons and understood the danger, rendered every possible assistance to prevent the fire from spreading. It was eventually brought under control by the N.F.S., and it was then found that boxes of explosive would have to be unloaded. Carter and Deakin helped to pull open the door of one of the vans.

As it opened, flames and smoke were emitted from the interior of the truck and Carter, Deakin and Barrett sustained burns to the face and eyes, and all three had to go to a first aid post. Ganger Harrison entered another van and threw out boxes on to the line. Whilst so doing, one of these fell and pinned him down by the leg but, with help, he freed himself and continued to work until the van was emptied. The lines were blocked with heaped up boxes of explosive and Harrison, though wet through by water from the hoses and suffering from an injured leg and burnt hands, continued to work alone for thirteen hours to clear the lines and allow traffic to proceed. All the men showed great courage and devotion to duty. Enemy aircraft were operating, a heavy anti-aircraft barrage was in progress at the time and the men were fully aware of the danger from the explosives to which they were exposed.

Regards

Mike

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