Queen’s Gallantry Medal, Fireman , Hertfordshire Fire Brigade awarded for the rescue of a trapped fellow fireman from a blazing building under threat of collapse by digging out with his bare hands

Queen’s Gallantry Medal

Georgy Gray Celine, in Royal Mint case of issue,

Q.G.M. London Gazette 10 August 1984, the original citation states:

‘Georgy Gray Celine, Fireman, Bedfordshire Fire Brigade.

On 28th December 1982 Fireman Celine was one of a number of firemen called to deal with a serious fire at a Bingo club in Luton. The blaze was being fought from inside the building when the roof suddenly collapsed into the lower floors, bringing down tons of steelwork, hot masonry and burning timber. A fireman was trapped by a girder, with a considerable amount of debris amassed on top. He was also in danger from the continuing spread of fire. The fireman’s partner initially attempted to extricate him but realised the seriousness of the situation and went outside to get help. Fireman Celine responded to the call for assistance, immediately entered the building and found the trapped fireman, by the light of the fire.

Fireman Celine dug with his bare hands to remove the debris, constantly re-assuring his colleague, who by now was in some pain from his injuries. The rescue work, involving manual removal of brickwork, masonry and timber, progressed in cramped and difficult conditions, directly underneath several tons of unsupported roof and debris. The remaining structure of the surrounding building was known to be dangerous and further burning debris continued to fall intermittently on the scene. The successful extrication of the trapped fireman was achieved after some 30 minutes.’

Georgy Gray Celine was born in 1953 and had been a member of the Bedfordshire Fire Brigade for some ten years at the time of winning his award. He was the first member of the service to be awarded with the Q.G.M. and went up to Buckingham Palace to take his award from the hands of The Queen.