´óÏó´«Ã½

I was a London Fireman. In April 1941 my crew was sent to Plymouth. We were taken to Fore Street, Devonport As darkness fell the raid began. Bombs and incendiaries were falling everywhere.
As the shops were bombed fires started. Our crew of four, Ted Crust, Ted Osborne, Ted Connet and me, Charles Harwood, did our best to quench the fire. The fires spread quicker than we could contain them. The buildings were raised to the ground. We stayed with our appliances for nearly two days with no break.
We returned to London by train. About a week later the officer came to our crew and said ‘The top brass are coming from HQ to have a chat with you four. Tidy up and look smart’. The officer from HQ spoke to us the next day and told us we had been recommended for an award for endurance and bravery, possibly the George Medal. We were then told that George Medals were not issued in fours so we needed to decide whose name was to be put forward. We chose to cut the cards. Ted Crust drew the highest card and we thought his name would go forward. He went for a special meeting with the top brass. When he returned he told us that there was to be no medal but he thought our names were being put forward for a commendation for bravery.
After that we heard no more and I assumed nothing had happened. For over 60 years I wondered about this matter. Several nights ago, while surfing the internet, my daughter found the website for the London Gazette. She found nothing under my name. However she discovered that on November 28th 1941 the London Gazette has a commendation for brave conduct for Civil defence for Albert Edward Crust, Auxiliary Fireman, London Fire Force.
I felt very pleased to know that our actions had been recognised. I am, however, still puzzled as to why only one name was published.

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.