Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War B.E.M. awarded to Foreman Engineer G. B. Cameron, John Brown & Co., Clydebank, for a gallant industrial rescue on board a ship which resulted in the loss of his arm

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (George B. Cameron) in Royal Mint case of issue, extremely fine £300-400

B.E.M. London Gazette 15 August 1944: George Cameron, Foreman Engineer, John Brown and Company, Clydebank.
‘Cameron was one of a party who were conducting investigations in the engine-room of a ship. An apprentice who was in attendance caught the belt of his overalls in a coupling pin on the turbometer shaft which ran close behind him and which was revolving at the time. His cry of alarm brought Cameron to his aid and, with help, he dragged the victim free by tearing his clothes. In so doing Cameron was himself caught by the sleeve, and could not be freed. His forearm was so badly lacerated and broken by the revolving shaft, which could not be stopped for nearly two minutes, that his arm later had to be amputated at the elbow. Cameron well knew the danger of grave injury to himself that he was incurring when he went to the rescue. He showed complete lack of regard for his own safety and, by his prompt and energetic measures, saved the apprentice from serious injury. He displayed great fortitude while awaiting his release from the shaft and during his journey to hospital.’

George Bruce Cameron was 45 at the time of his act of gallantry, and had spent the past 28 years working for John Brown and Company, Clydebank. During the Clydebank Blitz of 13-14 March 1941 Cameron’s home was destroyed, on of over 30,000 homes were destroyed or damaged during that devastating Blitz. After he rescued the 19 year apprentice docker, Leonard Smith, Cameron was operated on abroad the ship before going to hospital. He received his British Empire Medal at an Investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 22 September 1944.