Order of Industrial Heroism ( O.I.H. ) Medal - William Hazon, Durham Colliery Miner - Very scarce Life Saving Award

The ‘Daily Herald’ Order of Industrial Heroism, bronze, with the reverse correctly engraved "William Hazon, 14th Sept. 1946" in case of issue, original ribbon and suspension bar, extremely fine. Some staining to silk lining to case interior and wear to case. See photos.

In 1923 The Daily Herald, a campaigning left-wing newspaper, observed that there ‘had not yet been established a method of recognising the bravery of the toilers, though scarcely a day passes without some example of valour or self-sacrifice in the industrial field.’ In an effort to address this omission, the newspaper took the decision to establish its own award, The Daily Herald Order of Industrial Heroism. The award was only issued on 440 occasions between 1923 and 1964.

Listed for sale here is the 'Daily Herald' Order of Industrial Heroism (O.I.H.) awarded to William Hazon, Ravensworth “Ann” and “Betty” Colliery, Co. Durham, in its original fitted presentation case. It includes a photo of the Birtley Miners Welfare Hall, County Durham (now Tyne & Wear) where Hazon and Ainsley were presented with their O.I.H. medals by the labour politician Manny Shinwell (the then Minister of Fuel ). I have some good notes on William Hazon compiled from miners who used to work with him and family members which will be typed up and supplied with the medal. A fascinating piece of coal mining history.

William Hazon was also entitled to the British Empire Medal (B.E.M.) but this is not in my possession.

'The London Gazette' for 1st March 1946 confirms Hazon's B.E.M,. award as follows:

‘John William Ainsley, Pickman, Ravensworth “Ann” and “Betty” Colliery and William Hazon, Undermanager, Ravensworth “Ann” and “Betty” Colliery’.

‘A fall of roof occured in a mine and men were set to work to clear the fall. Half an hour later a further fall occurred and one man was trapped. In spite of the unsafe condition of the roof, which was only about 15 inches in height, Ainsley went forward alone and started to clear a way to the victim. After about twenty minutes Hazon arrived and took charge of the operation. He went in front of Ainsley and removed more loose stones until, lying at full length, he reached the feet of the trapped man. Helped by Ainsley and a chain of workers the casualty was dragged to safety. Ainsley and Hazon showed courage and, by their determination, saved the life of a fellow worker’.

‘Spirit of the Miners - An injured miner lay trapped. Only 14 inches above him the roof of the mine was cracking ominously after a fall. Two men went to the rescue - the undermanager and a workman. The undermanager, crawling on his stomach, grasped the trapped man by the ankles. The workman in turn scuffled the debris away with his hands and gripped the undermanager’s ankles. They pulled together to drag the trapped man out. Other miners joined in and slowly the miner was hauled to safety. A second later the roof thundered down. They were honoured by their workmates in the Birtley Miner's Welfare Hall when Mr E. Shinwell (Manny) presented them with the Daily Herald O.I.H., a cheque and diploma from the Carnegie Trust Fund, and wrist watches and money from officials and miners of the colliery.’ (Extract from 'The Daily Herald', 16th September 1946).

Ainsley's B.E.M. and O.I.H. were sold in the DNW Auction as lot 211 on the 25th September 2008, together with a Buckingham Palace slip to accompany the B.E.M., a photograph of Ainsley and Hazon.

An attractive medal designed by the sculptor Eric Gill, with an unusual pear drop shape and art noveau design depicting Saint Christopher holding a staff and carrying the Christ child on his shoulder.

See also the wonderful publication "The Order of Industrial Heroism" (2000), by Fevyer, Wilson and Cribb.

Due to the cost of insurance I regret I will be unable to post this item outside of the UK.

Code: 54357