On This Day, 13 May 1918

Birmingham Daily Post

Monday 13 May 1918

ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE.

PRESENTATION OF MEDALS AT WARWICK.

BIRMINGHAM GIRL’S BRAVE ACT.

A little ceremony on Saturday which had the massive stone building of the County Hall, Warwick, for its background, and a quadrangle formed in the narrow street, whose dominating feature is the lofty tower of the parish church, for its setting possessed real county significance. Lined up fronting the building were nine men and a little girl, to whom the Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire (the Earl of Craven), “in accordance with the King’s commands,” presented medals of the Order of the British Empire. These medals had been won by deeds which in their way probably demanded courage and resource not inferior to more dashing exploits on the field of battle. The recipients were all engaged in munition factories in the country of Warwick, and in the majority of cases their prompt action when handling explosive materials had averted the gravest consequences to life and buildings. In a word, it was heroism of the highest order, among what may be called the civilian army at home, which was fittingly recognised and publically acclaimed.

A HEROINE OF SIXTEEN.

Of those thus honoured the little girl in a white dress, and with a pink bow tied in her hair (Miss Dolly Gladys Vickers, of 3, Carlton Place, Aberdeen Street, Birmingham), was naturally the most arresting figure. She looked younger than her sixteen years, and when Mr. E. Field (Clerk to the Lieutenancy), who was attired in wig and gown, recited the following particulars of her brave act, she blushed at finding herself rendered famous: –

A fuse on which she was working exploded, burning her hand badly. She picked it up while it was still burning, carried it several yards, and threw it outside the building, thereby preventing any danger of the other loaded fuses in the hut becoming ignited.

Miss Vickers thereupon stepped up to the Lord-Lieutenant, who pinned the medal upon her blouse and shook hands with her. The Countess of Craven had also a few kindly words for the young lady, and the crowd gave her the heartiest cheer of the day. It should be added that the recipient’s brave act was performed in the night at one of the largest munition factories in Birmingham, and, no doubt, prevented a number of lives being lost. Miss Vickers, by the way, is the youngest individual in the country who has gained this distinction.

The others who were similarly decorated were: –

AUTHUR BRADBURY, 10, Barr Street, Langley, Birmingham.

For courage in dealing with fires in an explosives factory, and remaining at work in a poisonous atmosphere in order to ensure the safety of the planet.

JACK LANE JEFFREY, 13, Speedwell Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

For courage in connection with production and testing of exceptionally dangerous materials.

CHARLES WILLIAM JOHNSON, 186, Poole Lane, Causeway Green, Langley.

For courage and resource shown on several occasions under circumstances of great personal danger.

G MALLARD, 91, Vicarage Road, Langley.

For promptness and courage in dealing with danger arising from escapes of poisonous gas.

WILLIAM ALFRED MAYALL. 38, Stourbridge Road, Kidderminster.

For courage and high example on the occasion of a fire in an explosives factory.

JAMES POUND, 41, Masters Lane, Blackheath.

For self-sacrifice in working long hours in a highly poisonous atmosphere, where he was several times burnt by acid and at times almost overcome by fumes.

ALBERT EDWARD REEVES, 32, Great Tindall Street, Ladywood.

For courage in recovering the plug of a cook under circumstances of great danger.

J. WILLIAMS, 29, Bridge Street, Oldbury.

For promptness and courage in dealing with dangers arising from escapes of posinous gas.

DANIEL BALL, 57, Brades Road, Rounds Green, Oldbury.

For courage in having several times effected temporary repairs in important plant in an explosives factory at considerable risk to his life.

A DISTINGUISHED GATHERING.

The ceremony, which did not last more than half an hour, was extremely well attended, and excited much interest in the county town. In addition to the Lord-Lieutenant and Lady Craven, with whom was Lady Uffington, there were present among others the Earl and Countness of Aylseford, Lord Leigh, the Hon. Agnes Leigh, Sir Michael Lakin, Bart., the Hon. A. Adderley, the Hon. Alex. Parker, the High Sheriff (Mr. G. F. Jackson), the Mayor and Mayoress of Warwick (Sir Montague and Lady Nelson), and Mr. A. Bird, M.P., and the Mayors of Coventry and Nuneaton. The military element was also well represented, included Brigadier-General E. A. W. S. Grove, C.B., Brigadier-General M. Quayle Jones, C.B., C.M.G., Brigadier-General Ludlow, C.B., Brigadier-General E. A. Wiggin, D.S.O., Colonel Martineau, C.M.G., and the Major of Hon. G. Peel. The borough of Corporation was well represented. A guard of honour was formed by the 2^nd Battalion of Warwickshire Volunteer Regiment under Captain Griffin, and a number of cadets under Lieutenant Hainworth were also present.

In the course of a few words preparatory to the presentation of medals the Mayor of Warwick spoke of the importance of the civil army, and of what it had been able to do in the Birmingham and Coventry districts particularly, in supplying the men at the front with war materials. The people of the two places, he said, had done magnificent work, and the county was proud to recognise their services. His Worship also expressed regret that the Lord Mayor of Birmingham was unable to be present.

The Mayors of Coventry and Nuneaton added a few words of congratulation to the recipients of medals.