Henry Hamblin. EM

On November 10th, 1928, Henry Charles Hamblin and his brother, Arthur Albert Hamblin, colliers, Somerset, were working in a seam at Mells Colliery, Somerset, when at about 9.40 a.m., the supporting timbers suddenly gave way and there was a fall of the roof. Arthur Hamblin was caught by the falling debris and was pined by the right foot. In struggling to extricate himself a further roof fall occurred burying him to the waist. Henry Hamblin, on hearing the fall, immediately ran to the scene of the accident and tried to free his brother, but could not do so. A further fall buried Arthur Hamblin up to his shoulders. Henry Hamblin shouted for help, but, being unable to make anyone hear, he was forced to leave his brother and go for assistance. On his return he found his brother almost buried. As the roof continued to fall Henry crouched over his brother's head to shield him and remained in that position for some 20 minutes until assistance came and a temporary covering of timber was erected over his brother's head. He knowingly exposed himself to considerable danger. and himself received severe bruises while shielding his brother with his own body from the falling stones. His gallant conduct probably saved his brother's life.

For his bravery, Henry Hamblin was awarded the Bronze Edward Medal, by the Prince of Wales, on behalf of the King.

The above extract taken from '5 Arches' - The Radstock Midsummer Norton and District Museum Society publication courtesy of David Hardwick

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