George cross recipient. On 16th October 1929, John and Hugh Black were detailed to clean a steam boiler at Palmers Blast Furnaces. Black entered the boiler and Shepherd was about to follow when he detected traces of gas. He called out to Black but received only a faint reply and immediately climbed inside to go to his aid. Shepherd found Black half conscious 25ft from the boiler manhole. He endeavoured to drag him to the opening but had to abandon the attempt as he was succumbing to the gas himself. He made his way out of the boiler, called for help and, though still seriously affected by the gas, returned with a rope which he tried to fasten around his comrade, who was by now unconscious. Both men were rescued shortly afterwards, though Black died a few hours later. On 14th February 1930, the London Gazette published the citation for the award of the Edward Medal in Bronze to John Shepherd. He was also awarded the Carnegie Hero Fund Certificate and a cheque for £25. The other two men involved in the rescue, Thomas Wright and Joseph Patrick O'Connor also received Certificates. Sadly soon after the incident, the Great Depression hit the North East of England, and John found himself, like many others, unemployed, and the family suffered great hardship.
George cross recipient. On 16th October 1929, John and Hugh Black were detailed to clean a steam boiler at Palmers Blast Furnaces. Black entered the boiler and Shepherd was about to follow when he detected traces of gas. He called out to Black but received only a faint reply and immediately climbed inside to go to his aid. Shepherd found Black half conscious 25ft from the boiler manhole. He endeavoured to drag him to the opening but had to abandon the attempt as he was succumbing to the gas himself. He made his way out of the boiler, called for help and, though still seriously affected by the gas, returned with a rope which he tried to fasten around his comrade, who was by now unconscious. Both men were rescued shortly afterwards, though Black died a few hours later. On 14th February 1930, the London Gazette published the citation for the award of the Edward Medal in Bronze to John Shepherd. He was also awarded the Carnegie Hero Fund Certificate and a cheque for £25. The other two men involved in the rescue, Thomas Wright and Joseph Patrick O'Connor also received Certificates. Sadly soon after the incident, the Great Depression hit the North East of England, and John found himself, like many others, unemployed, and the family suffered great hardship.
Bio by: Paul Barnett
Advertisement
See more Shepherd memorials in:
Advertisement
