Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An Edward Medal for Mines in Bronze awarded to Under-Manager Evan Owen for Gallantry at Darran Colliery, 29 October 1909

Edward Medal (Mines), E.VII.R., gilded bronze (Evan Owen) in case of issue, extremely fine £1800-2200

E.M. London Gazette 4 October 1910.

‘An explosion of coal-dust occurred at the Darran Colliery, Deri, in the Cardiff district by which twenty-seven persons lost their lives, five succumbing during the rescue operations.

Mr Evan Owens, the Under-Manager of the Colliery, Mr Evans, Pit Carpenter, and Mr Edmund Davies, the day fireman, were among the first to enter the mine, and made determined and continued attempts to succour the unfortunate men who had been affected by the explosion. They were at all times seriously affected by the noxious air and only desisted when their services were no longer of any avail.

Dr. Turner, who was the first medical man to reach the mine, displayed great courage by promptly going down the ladders in the upcast and pumping shaft - an awkward descent to any one unacquainted with mining work. He rendered all the assistance he could, and nearly paid for his bravery with his life, as he was severely affected by afterdamp.’ (Ref: Gallantry, by Wilson & McEwen).

For their gallantry, Evan Owens, Edmund Davies, William Evans and Dr. William Wagner Turner, M.D. were each awarded the Edward Medal in Bronze. The pit was closed in 1919.