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Miner's George Cross bought by council at auction

Noonans Two sides of a George Cross with the side on the left bearing the engraved words For Gallantry and the reverse side inscribed Charles Smith 1940Noonans
Charles Smith was originally awarded an Edward Medal, which was later replaced with a George Cross

A George Cross awarded to a miner for his gallantry in rescuing a man trapped underground at a colliery has been bought by a council at auction.

Charles Smith was honoured for helping save Charles Liversedge when he was buried following a roof collapse at Askern Main Colliery, near Doncaster, on 3 January 1940.

The medal was bought for £12,000 by City of Doncaster Council and is now set to go on display at the city's Danum Gallery, Library and Museum later this year.

Mayor Ros Jones said: "As the daughter of a miner, I am delighted that this important medal recognising a life-saving achievement at a Doncaster pit, is coming back to the city."

The medal was sold by a private collector in an auction at Noonans Mayfair on 14 May.

The council said the purchase was made possible through a private donation.

Jones added: "This is an important part of our heritage and even more so, given these are so rarely awarded.

"I hope people come and see this medal and read its story."

Noonans A black and white image of a man in late life with short hair and large black glassesNoonans
Charles Smith went on to service in Burma during World War Two before returning to the coal industry until his retirement

Oliver Pepys, auctioneer and medal specialist for Noonans, said only 319 miners received the original Edward Medal in bronze between 1907 and 1971.

"Smith was one of just 30 miners who had received the Edward Medal in bronze to exchange his medal for the George Cross," said Mr Pepys.

"Exchanging the medal makes it a much rarer award, which attracted substantial interest."

Following his Edward Medal exploits, Mr Smith entered the military and served in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, during World War Two.

For his wartime services he was awarded the 1939-45 Star; the Burma Star; the Defence Medal; and the War Medal 1939-45.

Following demobilisation in 1945, he returned to the coal industry and was employed at Stargate Colliery in Ryton until 1961.

He later worked in the coking industry at Derwenthaugh, County Durham until his retirement in 1973.

He died at Blaydon, County Durham, on 25 October, 1987.

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