Edward Medal, the miner’s V.C. One of the rarest British and...

Hammer

£3,400

Edward Medal, the miner’s V.C. One of the rarest British and Commonwealth gallantry awards. Only 77 silver first class medals issued, this one being awarded to a diamond miner for his gallantry at the Big Hole diamond mine in Kimberley, South Africa. Benjamin Kelly. Citation taken from the London Gazette dated 7th July 1909. His majesty the King has been pleased to award the Edward Medal to the undermentioned miners employed at the Kimberley Diamond Mine, Medal of the First Class. On the 30th January 1909 mud rush occurred in the Kimberley Mine causing six natives to be completely cut off by 65 feet of mud. An attempt was made to clear the mud away but a second rush took place and it was decided that the only possible method of reaching the men was by working over the top of the mud and handing the mud back in small quantities. The men concerned, after most arduous labour - they could only work stretched on planks - succeeded in rescuing the miners who had been entombed forty hours. There was great risk of a further rush which would have overwhelmed the workers. Only 15 first class medals awarded for acts of heroism in South Africa. Mounted as worn. In original issue case. EF