Quote:
Originally Posted by Retlaw
On April 27th 1917 an explosion occured at Canary Island Church.
P.C. James Hardacre lost his life closing magazine doors which saved Church and its residents from being destroyed, even so. much damage was caused and windows were broke nearly a mile away.
Police Constable, James Hardacre was postumously awarded the Kings Police Medal for bravery. The following firemen received the O.B.E. Supeintendant E.Ware, 2nd Officer F. Barnes, 3rd Officer J Roberts Accrington Fire Brigade. Superintendant R. Walker, Sergt E. Paley & W. Schofield, of Church Fire Brigade. Walter Schoffields medal is now in Haworth Art Gallery. A Police Constable H. Bradbury is also thought to have been awarded th Kings Police Medal, but so far no records has been found. As P.C. Bradbury was from Oswaldtwistle and had two children, I'm wondering if any Accy Webbers can throw any light on the matter.
Retlaw.
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My Great Uncle Edward Smalley also received the OBE as a result of this explosion. He was with the Oswaldtwistle Fire Service based at the Town Hall.