I wonder if anyone can help with this question.
My great grandfather, James Joseph Leach, took part in a rescue on 18th
May 1912 following an explosion during the sinking of Markham Colliery
(Markham South Wales). He received the Edward Medal, the Royal Humane
Society silver medal and a certificate from the Carnegie Hero Trust.
In the 1911 census he is described as an "Engine Fitter above",
colliery worker.
I have a formal studio photo of him, taken some years after the rescue,
in which he is wearing an ornate helmet in the style of a fire fighter
of the period. He is wearing three medals - the Edward Medal, the RHS
Silver medal and a National Fire Brigades Association Long Service
Medal with 10 year bar. He is wearing the same medals in some other
photos.
His obituary refers to his long association with the ambulance movement
and his role as Superintendent of the Islwyn Corps. It also says that
"For many years Mr Leach had been responsible for ambulance and rescue
equipment at the collieries belonging to the Tredegar Company and
associate companies".
There is no reference to his involvement with the fire brigade, which
is why I wonder how he came to be wearing the National Fire Brigades
Association and wearing what looks like a fire brigade helmet. Was
there a link between mines rescue and the fire brigade?
Any thoughts?
Gareth
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