In 2005, I published this plea:
HELP!
Can you throw any light on this story?
- Do you know anything about Glemsford's Own G.C.?
A while ago, one of my correspondents, who is writing a book about G.C. recipients, sent me this detail of an award - the only one of its kind - made to
a Glemsford man.
- No/Rank/Unit/Occupation: Boilerman
- DoB - DoD: 1886, Acton, London - 4th May 1943, Glemsford, Suffolk
- Biography:
Frederick J Cradock served in First World War, enlisting in late 1915 in the
Royal Field Artillery as No. 245358, with the rank of Driver.
He served in France and Belgium from early 1916
with 156th Brigade (Territorial)/R.F.A.
He was discharged in the summer of 1919 when his Army number was 885763.
- TLG/Citation: 10th September 1943
- The KING has been graciously pleased to award the GEORGE CROSS to: -
- Frederick John Cradock (deceased), Boiler Man, Glemsford, Suffolk.
- An explosion occurred, with the result that a boiler house was filled with scalding steam and water,
and a man was trapped in a well between the furnace and the boiler.
Cradock, who was on top of the furnace, could have
jumped to safety on the side away from the steam, but he refused to do so and, calling for a ladder,
turned into the escaping steam and attempted to get down into the well to haul out his workmate.
Before he could do so he was overcome and severely scalded.
He staggered away from, the steam and at this point could still have jumped to safety but,
despite his terrible injuries, he returned to make a second gallant effort to get down into the well.
- He died in making the attempt. Cradock showed outstanding heroism and gave his life in an endeavour to save his workmate.
I knew nothing about this episode, and other enquiries have drawn a blank, other than a newspaper extract on the
wonderful Foxearth site.
If you have any other knowledge,
particularly about Mr Cradock, the event which led to this award, and his burial, for instance, we'd love to hear from you.
Page created and copyright - © Steve Clarke - July 2009