A Collection of British Orders, Decorations and Medals (The Property of a Gentleman)

A bronze Edward Medal awarded to Mr. W.C. Simmons, Railway Station Manager at Bournemouth Station

Edward Medal (Industry), G.V.R., 1st issue, with 2nd type reverse (Walter Charles Simmons) very fine £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of British Orders, Decorations and Medals (The Property of a Gentleman).

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‘On 20 August, 1912, as an express passenger train was entering Bournemouth Station, a woman jumped from the platform in front of the engine. The driver promptly applied the brakes and sounded the whistle; but was unable to stop the train until the engine had passed the spot where the woman jumped down. Simmons's attention was attracted by the whistle when the engine was about 12 yards away, and, without an instant's hesitation, he jumped off the platform on to the permanent way, and succeeded in lifting the woman clear of the rails and holding her against another train, which was stationary on an adjoining line, neither of them sustaining injury. There is no doubt whatever that the rescue was effected by Simmons at the risk of his life, and any delay or hesitation would, in all probability have resulted in fatal consequences.’

A total of 163 Edward Medals for Industry in bronze were awarded.