"Moss" ZJ 1/943

SECOND SUPPLEMENT TO The London Gazette Of TUESDAY, the 10th of DECEMBER, 1940

Registered as a newspaper

FRIDAY, 13 DECEMBER, 1940

CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD. St. James's Palace, S.W.1.

13th December, 1940.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS to –

Brandon Moss, Special Constable, Coventry Special Constabulary. Special Constable Moss was engaged on duty when a house was struck by an H.E. bomb and completely demolished, burying the three occupants. He led a rescue party in clearing an entry to the trapped victims under extremely dangerous conditions owing to collapsing debris and leaking gas. When conditions became critically dangerous he alone worked his way through a space he cleared and was responsible for the saving of the three persons alive.

It was then learned that other persons were buried in the adjoining premises and Moss at once again led the rescue. The workers became exhausted after many hours of labouring unceasingly and inspiringly throughout the complete night, again falling beams and debris around him, and as a result of his superhuman efforts and utter disregard for personal injury one person was rescued alive and four other bodies recovered. During the whole of the time of the rescue, bombs were dropping around and it was known that there was a delayed action bomb in the doorway of a tavern only 20 yards away. Moss was working from 11p.m. until 6.30 a.m. without pause.