Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas (Part I)

The post-War G.M. awarded to Lieutenant-Commander Albert Edward Burton, Royal Navy, for gallantry in attempting to rescue a wounded man buried under debris from an explosion at a building containing ammunition at Marsa, Malta, in July 1954

George Medal, E.II.R., 1st issue (Lieut.-Commdr. Albert E. Burton, R.N.) in its Royal Mint case of issue, nearly extremely fine £3,000-£4,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas.

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G.M. London Gazette 21 December 1954: ‘Lieutenant-Commander Albert Edward Burton, R.N., H.M.S. Barova.

At 1100 on 24th July, 1954, a large explosion occurred in a building containing ammunition at Marsa Coal Wharf, Malta. Although the building was burning fiercely Lieutenant-Commander Burton and a civilian Assistant Salvage Officer immediately went to the aid of a badly injured man who was buried in the debris.

Throughout the time they were working, the fire raged and there were signs that a further explosion might take place. Lieutenant-Commander Burton and the Salvage Officer nevertheless remained until they had successfully freed the injured man and removed him from the danger area.

Lieutenant-Commander Burton’s bravery and determination and his complete disregard of his own safety in his efforts to save the injured man, who later died of his injuries, were in the best traditions of the Royal Navy.’