AWARD OF THE GEORGE CROSS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 47, 5 December 1940, Page 5

AWARD OF THE GEORGE CROSS.

WORK IN DISPOSAL OF BOMBS.

TWO AIRMEN ALSO DECORATED.

(United Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 10.5 a.m.) LONDON, December 4. The George Cross, the highest civilian decoration for gallantry, has been awarded to Arthur Merriman, parttime experimental officer attached to the Research Section of the Ministry of Suppply, according to a Gazette notice. Mr Merriman received the Cross for “conspicuous bravery in connection with bomb disposal.” It is understood that on several occasions he dismantled delayed-action bombs that had fallen in important streets and buildings. Among the military awards is the Distinguished Service Order to PilotOfficer Geoffrey Cheshire, aged 23. This officer was carrying out photographic operations at Cologne when a shell splinter detonated a flare just about to be dropped. Although fire followed a blinding explosion which \ carried away a considerable part of the fuselage Pilot-Officer Cheshire managed -to regain control off the plane, which lost considerable height and was subject to intense anti-aircraft lire. He successfully piloted-the damaged aircraft to the base.

A wireless operator and aeroplane sergeant, Henry Davidson, received the Distinguished Plying Cross. Although so severely injured by an explosion that he -was unable to see, Davidson persuaded his rear-gunner to guide Iris burned fingers to the wireless control, which he continued to operate until he realised that the wireless had been put out of action. In spite of intenge suffering Davidson consistently refused to be landed at a station nearer that his own base.—British Official 'Wireless.