A good George Medal group of three awarded to Constable Sydney Darby, Metropolitan Police, for gallantry in arresting an armed and dangerous man

George Medal, G.VI.R., 2nd issue (Sydney Darby); Defence Medal; Police Exemplary Service Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (Const.) mounted as worn, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (3) £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 6 May 1952: ‘Inspector Shipton and Police Constables Bailey and Darby went to a house in Maida Vale where they were told that a man in the first floor front bedroom had shot at his wife. During their endeavour to arrest him he fired at them at short range. They were able nevertheless to rescue the woman. Ultimately, after further shots, he tried to escape by the balcony. The officers eventually overpowered him. The Inspector and two Constables displayed cool courage and determination in effecting the arrest of an armed and desperate man.’

The above incident took place at a house in Sutherland Avenue, Maida Vale, on 27 August 1951. The man was armed with an automatic pistol.

Sydney Darby was born at Edmonston, North London, on 18 May 1905. He was a Basket Maker before joining the Metropolitan Police on 22 September 1930. He received his L.S. & G.C. medal in January 1953, was retired on pension in September 1955, and died on 30 May 1976. Sold with further details including copied Central Record of Service and local newspaper report of the incident.