The Edward Medal (Mines) awarded for the Holmewood Colliery, near Chesterfield, for his ‘distinguished’ role in the rescue party which saved four men who had been trapped for four days underground after the collapse of a coal seam on 22 September, 1920

Edward Medal (Mines), (GVR)., 1st ‘coinage head’ Type, bronze

Joseph Harrison.

In original case of issue,

E.M.: London Gazette: 24 March, 1922 –

Joseph Harrison (in a joint citation with Samuel Peters, Harold West, and Thomas Calladine
[all awarded the Edward Medal (Mines) in Bronze]) –

‘On September 22nd, 1920, a heavy fall of earth occurred in a seam of the
Holmewood Colliery, near Chesterfield, imprisoning two men who were working in the seam. It was ascertained that the men were
uninjured, but, as it was obvious that the work of reaching them would occupy some days the first necessity was to supply them with
food. Peters, the undermanager, with great ingenuity, passed food through a cycle tyre enclosed in iron piping. Further falls occurred
during the forty-eight hours following the original fall, but it then became possible to pass some timber through, although gas appeared
in the cavity and began to give trouble. A small hole was made through to the imprisoned men, and they were eventually freed after
being four days in the seam. Peters, West, Harrison and Calladine all distinguished themselves greatly in the work of rescue, and were
engaged for practically the whole time in a dangerous: position at the face of the fall. They were exposed to the risk of injury from
falling stones and displayed a dogged courage and endurance.’