A Second War 1940 ‘London Blitz’ G.M. awarded to R. J. Nicholls, ARP Warden, for saving the life of two children from a collapsing building in Willesden, and sustaining injuries in the process

George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Robert James Nicholls) very fine £2,600-£3,000

G.M. London Gazette 7 February 1941: Robert James Nicholls, ARP Warden, Willesden:

‘House in Willesden Road, Willesden, London, September 1940.

After bombs had fallen on some houses, Warden Nicholls saw two children in the debris in imminent danger, as a heavy beam appeared to be about to collapse on them. He rescued the two children, but the beam fell across him. He sustained slight concussion, a gash above the temple, a broken right arm, a very badly cut left leg and severe bruises. Despite these injuries Nicholls carried on with his work of evacuating the people in the road, until ordered to return to his post - which he did under protest. He was attended to by the stretcher party, and was sent immediately to hospital.’