The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection

An Edward Medal for Industry in Bronze awarded to Richard Brookes, for saving life at Charrington’s Brewery on 8 February 1912

Edward Medal (Industry), G.V.R., 1st issue, with 2nd type reverse, bronze (Richard Brookes) in case of issue; together with a Presentation ‘Marble’ Clock, with plaque reading, ‘Presented to Richard Brookes by Charrington & Co. Ltd., as a small memento of an act of Bravery at the Abbey Brewery, Burton-on-Trent on Feb. 8th 1912’, medal good very fine (2) £1400-1600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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‘A workman named Thomas Rogers was repairing the spouting of a building at a height of 40 feet from the ground at the brewery of Messrs. Charrington & Co., Burton-on-Trent, when without warning the ladder on which he was standing broke, and he fell head foremost. Brookes, a fitter in the employment of Messrs. Charrington, rushed forward with outstretched arms and caught him as he fell, thereby saving Roger’s life at considerable risk to his own. His action was rendered more difficult and dangerous by his having to evade the portion of the ladder to which Rogers continued to cling as he fell.’

With Home Office letter, dated 1 October 1912 to the Manager of Abbey Brewery, Burton-on-Trent, requesting the attendance of Richard Brookes at Buckingham Palace for his investiture by the King on 10 October 1912; partial and damaged letter of congratulations, 6 March 1912; a number of related newspaper cuttings, and copied research.

Note: Clock is heavy; approx. 360 x 330mm., internal condition unknown; lacks key.