George Cross To James Sydney Purvis

[under131]

I Am looking for info on James Sydney Purvis George Cross Medal in Impearial war Museum

[Staffsyeoman]

No. & Rank at the Time of Action: Pit Boy

Unit/Occupation: South Garesfield Colliery, Durham

Date and Place of Birth: 2nd July 1904, Northumberland

Family: Two Sons

Early Life: Attended Leazes School, Burnopfield

Date and Place of GC Action: 17th May 1929, South Garesfield Colliery, Durham

The London Gazette: 22nd November 1929

Citation:

Account of Deed: On 17th May 1929 a colliery deputy was injured during blasting operations. An overman set off down the pit and, collecting James Purvis and another lad* at the bottom of the shaft and a tram and stretcher, went in search of the deputy. They were joined by two hewers. Meanwhile five other men had attempted a rescue, but four of them were overcome by gas while the fifth managed to crawl out just in time. The overman organised his party and by repeated efforts they succeeded in extricating the five men, of whom three were dead. The rescue party were all affected by the fumes. For an hour, during the whole of which time the atmosphere was thick with smoke and gas, the overman with James Purvis and his other three helpers, knowingly and repeatedly risked their lives in determined efforts to save the lives of their fellows, and there is no doubt that but for their courageous action the death-toll would have been heavier than it was. (*See also entry for BAKER, J. T.)

From The George Cross Database http://www.gc-database.co.uk/recipients/PurvisJS.htm

It looks like an exchange Edward Medal (Mines issue). http://www.gc-database.co.uk/exchanges.htm #

There's no Great War angle here that I can see.

[Droocoo]

WOW that mann is SOOOO brave!

[spacehopper52]

I know this is an old post but sid is my great grandad. When his son (my granda) passed my grandma donated his medals to the war museum. This is a link telling the story and how his medal was swapped for the George cross. 

https://victoriacrossonline.co.uk/james-sidney-purvis-gc-em-exchanger/