Heroes...
There were 2 recipients of the George Medal following the Wilkinson's disaster.
The George Cross is the highest civilian award for gallantry followed by in order of merit, The George Medal.
The George Cross and the George Medal are awarded for similar acts of gallantry (i.e. any act of bravery not in the face of the enemy). The difference is in the degree of bravery displayed (in a similar way to the distinction made between the Victoria Cross and the Military Cross in battle). Both can be awarded to civilians or service personnel alike. Many servicemen and women have been awarded the GM and many civilians the GC.
The Royal Warrant authorising the award of the George Medal was published in January 1941. The medal is named after George VI.
In the period 1940-1945, 724 civilians were awarded the George Medal.
The George Medal: obverse George VI issue
Mr George Newstead
George Newstead cut a hole through to a cellar bay full of injured and dead. The casualties were gingerly taken out except for one man who was pinned down by a steel girder. He was in agony so a doctor was called to give him an anaesthetic and reluctantly, it was decided that the only way to save him was to amputate his foot. While the doctor crawled out to get his instruments George decided to have one more go at freeing the survivor. In spite of the risk of bringing down tons of debris he got a small jack under the girder and raised it slightly. It was just enough. By cutting the man's boot off they were able to ease his leg out and drag him clear.
Mr Clarence Burdiss
Clarence Burdiss cut a second hole through a thick wall to reach another smashed room in the basement. Here the casualties were lying amidst the splintered remains of their bunk beds. For four gruelling hours he slowly moved casualties from their shattered tomb. Finally he collapsed with exhaustion, yet when he recovered, insisted on going back into the ruins and pulled out several more people.