George cross (Edward Medal) recipient. The majority of the workmen had already left the mine, but it was found that one man named Booth was missing. He had been working alone about 130 yards from the bottom of the shaft, and representations were made to Baker, the Manager, that it was impossible to rescue him. The bottom of the pit was three parts full of water and the water was still rising. Baker, however, was resolute: he called for volunteers and Wilson was one of five men who responded and descended into the mine by a footrail. The rescue party reached a ventilation door which they dared not open owing to the pressure of water behind it and they therefore prepared to retire. Baker, who had followed, insisted that Booth could not be left, but Wilson was the only man who volunteered to continue the work of rescue. Baker and Wilson managed to force the ventilation door and allow the water to escape gradually. They then waded to the place where Booth was working, reaching him after great difficulty, and all three men were eventually drawn to the surface. Both Baker and Wilson ran a very great risk of being trapped under the low roof in the mine. They could not tell to what height the water would rise and if it had reached the roof both the rescued and rescuers would have lost their lives. Both Baker and Wilson displayed exceptional courage and resolution.
George cross (Edward Medal) recipient. The majority of the workmen had already left the mine, but it was found that one man named Booth was missing. He had been working alone about 130 yards from the bottom of the shaft, and representations were made to Baker, the Manager, that it was impossible to rescue him. The bottom of the pit was three parts full of water and the water was still rising. Baker, however, was resolute: he called for volunteers and Wilson was one of five men who responded and descended into the mine by a footrail. The rescue party reached a ventilation door which they dared not open owing to the pressure of water behind it and they therefore prepared to retire. Baker, who had followed, insisted that Booth could not be left, but Wilson was the only man who volunteered to continue the work of rescue. Baker and Wilson managed to force the ventilation door and allow the water to escape gradually. They then waded to the place where Booth was working, reaching him after great difficulty, and all three men were eventually drawn to the surface. Both Baker and Wilson ran a very great risk of being trapped under the low roof in the mine. They could not tell to what height the water would rise and if it had reached the roof both the rescued and rescuers would have lost their lives. Both Baker and Wilson displayed exceptional courage and resolution.
Bio by: Paul Barnett
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