Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second World War 1941 ‘civil division’ B.E.M. awarded to F. W. Clarke, who was employed as a Porter by London Midland and Scottish Railway, and saved the life of a colleague from a signal box which had been destroyed by a bomb during a German raid

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (Francis William Clarke) mounted on investiture pin, good very fine £300-£400

B.E.M. London Gazette 14 November 1941 [Francis William Clarke, Parcels Porter, London Midland and Scottish Railway]:

‘During a period of heavy enemy air activity a signal box was demolished by a high explosive bomb, the Signalman being injured and buried beneath the debris which was on fire. He managed to extricate himself and his cries for help were heard by Porter Clarke. Although Clarke is only 5 ft. 3 ins. in height he got the Signalman on his back and carried him towards the Station. In the darkness Clarke got entangled with some wires and fell down with the casualty on top of him. He recovered and started out again but was knocked down by a blast of a H.E. bomb which exploded nearby.

Although almost exhausted Clarke struggled on and got the injured man to a first aid post.

He displayed courage and determination and was responsible for saving the life of the Signalman.’

Francis William Clarke was born in June 1886, and was employed as a Porter by London and South Western Railways from June 1902. Over the next 20 years he was employed as a Porter and a Signalman at Ilfracombe, Sidmouth and Exeter. Clarke was subsequently employed by London Midland and Scottish Railways.

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