A fine London Blitz George Medal pair awarded to Police Constable Charles Mann, “L” Division, Metropolitan Police, later killed whilst on active service with the Royal Air Force

George Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue (Charles George Tone Mann); War Medal 1939-45, together with original Membership Certificate for The Royal Society of St George, dated 10 December 1941, extremely fine (2) £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of R.W. Gould, MBE.

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G.M. London Gazette 25 April 1941: ‘A man was trapped thirty feet from the ground, on the first floor of a house which had been partially demolished by a bomb. A ladder was placed against the wall but this only reached about eighteen feet, leaving a gap between the top of the ladder and the window. It was feared that the house would collapse at any moment but P.C. Mann mounted the ladder and, on reaching the top rung, flattened himself against the wall. He was still unable to reach the window ledge but managed to stretch upwards a little higher by placing his right foot on the damaged framework of the ground floor window. The man was then encouraged to climb out backwards and gradually lower himself. The Constable took most of the man’s weight on his right hand and lowered him on to his shoulders. P.C. Mann then climbed down the ladder to safety. The least mistake by the Constable would have resulted in both men being severely injured. Mann displayed cool courage in the face of danger and difficulty.’

The above rescue took place in De Crespigny Park, Camberwell, London, during a raid on 29 December 1940.

Charles George Tone Mann joined the Metropolitan Police on 7 December 1936, and was posted to “L” Division. In September 1941 he was released from the service to join the Royal Air Force for aircrew duties, but was killed in a road accident whilst undergoing training as a Flying Cadet at 31 Elementary Flying Training School, Bowden, Canada, on 3 August 1942. He is buried in Innisfail Cemetery, Alberta, Canada.