Object Type: Folder
In Folder: WWII Showcase
Green Line driver Corporal Wisbey was awarded the George Medal, for working all night leading rescue parties freeing people from a bombed house, whilst Sergeant Eldridge was awarded the British Empire Medal (Military Division) for putting out fire bombs and saving people trapped in wreckage.
During WWII, there were displays of great heroism. Many London Passenger Transport Board (LPTB) staff were awarded the George Medal for gallantry, not in the face of the enemy. Most of these acts of bravery were for rescuing civilians following bombing raids.
This account from March 1944 describes how Mrs Rosa Temple, a trolleybus conductor from Poplar Depot, rescued her husband from a fire bomb, drawing the admiration of her colleagues.
Report on a commendation from the King for Home Guard garage warden F.M. McCarty. Disregarding his own safety, his actions saved a gas main.
Mr Ernest Price, a general hand from Middle Row garage rescued three women from the wreckage of a building, without considering the real danger to his own life from the presence of gas.
Inspector Gilbert was recognised for his exceptional courage in the execution of his duties when an unexploded time bomb fell near one of LPTB's stations.
The article provides details of the heroic deeds of 11 bus, tram and railway staff keeping London moving following enemy action. Services were redirected, wounded people rescued, fires put out and debris cleared. The actions of staff at Sloane Square station following a bombing on the evening of 12 November 1940 gets a special mention.
Lengthman G. Grimwood volunteered to enter a crater to assist with the disposal of an unexploded bomb. His bravery was recognised by an officer of the Royal Engineers disposal squad.
On the night of 27 December 1940 multiple bombs fell on a tram depot. As bombs fell Mr Ernest Fox, a labourer on the tram permanent way, undertook an inspection and put out fires despite bombs continuing to fall.
An off-duty London Transport Inspector arrived at Bank Station after it had been bombed in 1940 and helped to clear the platform of 1,000 survivors. His reminisces were published in the staff magazine in August 1946.
Inspector H. Mason received an award from the Mayor of Lewisham for rescuing a woman from a fire caused by an enemy bomb.
The LPTB were so proud of the selflessness and loyalty displayed by their staff both on and off duty that they instituted their own medal – The London Passenger Transport Award for Brave Conduct and Devotion to Duty during an enemy attack on London.
