Miner's George Cross bought by council at auction
A George Cross awarded to a miner for his gallantry in rescuing a man trapped underground at a colliery has been bought by a council at auction.
Charles Smith was honoured for helping save Charles Liversedge when he was buried following a roof collapse at Askern Main Colliery, near Doncaster, on 3 January 1940.
The medal was bought for £12,000 by City of Doncaster Council and is now set to go on display at the city's Danum Gallery, Library and Museum later this year.
Mayor Ros Jones said: "As the daughter of a miner, I am delighted that this important medal recognising a life-saving achievement at a Doncaster pit, is coming back to the city."
The medal was sold by a private collector in an auction at Noonans Mayfair on 14 May.
The council said the purchase was made possible through a private donation.
Jones added: "This is an important part of our heritage and even more so, given these are so rarely awarded.
"I hope people come and see this medal and read its story."
Oliver Pepys, auctioneer and medal specialist for Noonans, said only 319 miners received the original Edward Medal in bronze between 1907 and 1971.
"Smith was one of just 30 miners who had received the Edward Medal in bronze to exchange his medal for the George Cross," said Mr Pepys.
"Exchanging the medal makes it a much rarer award, which attracted substantial interest."
Following his Edward Medal exploits, Mr Smith entered the military and served in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, during World War Two.
For his wartime services he was awarded the 1939-45 Star; the Burma Star; the Defence Medal; and the War Medal 1939-45.
Following demobilisation in 1945, he returned to the coal industry and was employed at Stargate Colliery in Ryton until 1961.
He later worked in the coking industry at Derwenthaugh, County Durham until his retirement in 1973.
He died at Blaydon, County Durham, on 25 October, 1987.
Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Miner's George Cross to be sold at auction
City of Doncaster Council
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jamie Smith aims to be the next Sioux Falls Mayor
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A Sioux Falls lawmaker has entered the race to be the next mayor of Sioux Falls. Container homes face challenges in Sioux Falls market On Saturday morning at the Washington Pavillion, Jamie Smith officially launched his campaign in the Sioux Falls Mayoral race. The 2022 South Dakota Democratic Party's nominee for governor and current District 15 Senator is looking to replace Paul TenHaken, who has been serving as mayor since 2018. According to city records, Smith officially filed paperwork on Friday. KELOLAND News will have more coverage of Smith's announcement on KELOLAND Weekend News. 5_30_2025_-Jamie-Smith-for-Mayor-Statement-of-Organization-Jamie-SmithDownload In 2022, Smith lost to Republican Kristi Noem. He returned to public office in 2024 when he replaced term-limited Sen. Reynold Nesiba. TenHaken's term will end either in June 2026 or November 2026 as the city council continues to weigh when the next city election will be. David Zokaites has also filed paperwork to run for mayor again in 2026. To qualify for the ballot, a mayoral candidate must get no less than 200 signed petitions by registered voters in the city by the last Friday in February, according to the current city charter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Historic ship visit 'a poignant reminder'
The visit of a historic Norwegian cargo ship to the River Tyne has a special significance for one local man. The S/S Hestmanden, which served as a convoy vessel during World War Two, will be berthed in Newcastle until Thursday as part of a UK tour marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. For Chris Flanighan, its arrival is a poignant reminder of his grandfather, Karluf Thorsen, who fled Nazi-occupied Norway and served throughout the war in the merchant navy. He said: "This ship symbolises the life he lived, and the risks he took". Built in 1911, S/S Hestmanden played a vital role in transporting medicine, food, fuel, ammunition, and weapons during the war. It also formed part of a covert flotilla of fishing boats used to smuggle soldiers, agents and freedom fighters between Norway and Shetland, and on return trips helped to evacuate refugees and Allied soldiers. Now a national treasure in Norway, it serves as a floating war sailors' museum, preserving the legacy of those who kept the supply lines open. Mr Flanighan, from Wallsend, North Tyneside, has spent years uncovering the legacy of his grandfather. "He left Norway around the age of 17 or 18 and didn't return home until he was 22," he said. "Germany had occupied Norway, and he was part of the convoys supplying the Allied effort from Britain. "This ship symbolises the life he lived, and the risks he took". In a tribute to his grandfather's legacy, Mr Flanighan has been invited to join the Maritime Volunteer Service on one of their vessels as part of a ceremonial escort up the river. "When I heard the ship was coming to Newcastle - the last stop on her UK tour - I was over the moon," he said. "It's not just a ship visit. For me and my family, it's like she's coming home." During the visit, people have a chance to go on board the floating museum until Wednesday and explore its interactive exhibitions. There will also be events including a wreath-laying ceremony at Norwegian war graves in Jesmond. Capt Stephen C. Healy of Trinity House, Newcastle, said: "This historic visit reaffirms the deep maritime bonds between Norway and the north-east of England. "It is a tremendous privilege to help honour the legacy of the war sailors." Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. How the 'Shetland Bus' helped Norway resist Nazi Germany Maritime Volunteer Service
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
Pilots practice ahead of Kirtland Air Force Base's Air Fiesta this weekend
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Precision in the sky. That's the goal this weekend at Kirtland Air Force Base, as their popular Air Fiesta returns after a long hiatus. Story continues below Crime: Albuquerque business owner faces murder charge for shooting fleeing shoplifter News: Las Vegas deputy charged with aggravated battery and robbery Business: A downtown Albuquerque shoe shine parlor is still serving patrons after nearly a century Events: What's happening around New Mexico May 30-June 5? Kirtland Air Fiesta and more After six years, Kirtland Air Force Base's Air Fiesta is back, and on Friday, they were out practicing for this weekend's event. 'You want to make sure that you've got your tactics down pat. You want to make sure that you know your routine is tight because this is the first air show in six years. You don't want to go out there and disappoint. We want everything to be perfect. We want precision out there,' said Chief of Media at the Kirtland Air Force Base Public Affairs Office, Robert Smith. Base officials said this weekend's event was two years in the making, and although the fiesta hasn't happened in six years, they hope, after this year, to make it every two to three years: a chance for the general public to see the Air Force in action. 'Not everybody gets to see these things on a day-to-day basis,' said Smith. From cargo planes to vintage planes, visitors can get an up-close look at powerful aircraft on the ground and in the sky. Smith added, 'For those of us on Kirtland, you see some of the cargo aircraft, but we don't see these fighter aircraft every day.' With demonstrations of how the planes refuel mid-air and some big performances too, including the U.S. Army's parachute team, the Golden Knights. The event is free to the public. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the event runs until 5 p.m. Visitors are asked to go to one of the park and ride locations, including the Isleta Amphitheater and Gateway Center on Gibson. 'All you do is park there, we get you here, have a great time, and then we'll bus you right back,' said Smith. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
