A fine London Blitz B.E.M. group of six awarded to Chief Inspector Ernest Newark, Metropolitan Police, late Seaforth Highlanders

British Empire Medal (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Ernest Walter Newark); British War and Victory Medals (S-9341 Pte., Seaforth); Defence Medal; Coronation 1937; Police Exemplary Service Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (Ch. Inspr.) very fine or better (6) £400-500

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

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B.E.M. (Civil) London Gazette 6 June 1941: ‘Ernest Walter Newark, Inspector, “Y” Division, Metropolitan Police. A bomb was dropped near some shelters. With a Police Rescue Party under his command, Inspector Newark quickly restored a situation fraught with grave danger. He organised the work of stretcher parties and, with his men, worked for nearly three hours during a heavy raid. It was largely due to the Inspector’s leadership and organising ability that one hundred persons trapped in the shelters were rescued.’

The above incident took place at Lordship Lane Recreation Ground, Tottenham, during an enemy raid on the night of 19 September 1940. When a heavy calibre high explosive bomb dropped near the trench shelters at this location, 30 persons were killed and 80 others injured. Of some 200 persons trapped in the shelters, 100 were rescued. Enemy aircraft were overhead during the whole of the rescue operations and further bombs actually fell in the immediate vicinity. The original recommendation for the award also mentions an instance earlier in September 1940, in which the Inspector was instrumental in saving the lives of a large number of old and ailing refugees when a heavy D.A. bomb fell close to the Jewish Hospital at Tottenham. He organised their evacuation with great efficiency and speed and completed it just in time before the bomb exploded destroying a considerable part of the building.

Ernest Walter Newark was born at Herne Hill, S.E. London, on 27 May 1896. He served as a Private in the Seaforth Highlanders from July 1915 until February 1919, and joined the Metropolitan Police on 5 January 1920. He rose to the rank of Chief Inspector on 1 July 1949, received his L.S. & G.C. medal in January 1952, and retired on pension on 19 April 1953. He died on 13 January 1963. Sold with full research including copied Central Record of Service, recommendation for B.E.M., and two articles from the Tottenham & Edmonton Weekly Herald concerning the air raid and his award.