Arthur Edward Knibbs, 1886-1975 - George Medal

The George Medal is the 2nd highest gallantry award that can be awarded to a civilian. It was instituted, together with the George Cross, on 24 September 1940. It was the intention that the George Cross should stand supreme and that its position as the 'civilian Victoria Cross' should not be undermined by the award of larger numbers. The George Medal was introduced as a 'junior' to the George Cross, at a time there was a particular need to reward a great many people in all walks of life.

The incident for which Arthur received his award occurred during one of many air raids in Birmingham. A house had been demolished close to where Arthur lived and cries for help were heard from underneath the wreckage. Two girls were trapped. Arthur tunneled underneath the wreckage and brought the two girls out to safety. 

On Saturday 22 March 1941, The Times Newspaper gave an acount of Arthur's bravery.

Arthur's nephew, Harold Albert Knibbs (a young man in his twenties at the time) recalls reading a newspaper article that alluded to the Knibbs' generally 'slim build'. Arthur's build apparently helped him to reach the trapped girls. 

The two trapped girls were friends and they remained friends for many years afterwards. In the mid-1980's, Harold Albert Knibbs happened to be reading the Birmingham Evening Mail and saw a letter from a woman recounting the exact story from above. The lady wanted to try to contact the current owner of the George Medal with a view to buying it! 

Harold contacted the lady and explained that the George Medal was now in the possession of Arthur's grandson, and was instrumental in enabling the lady to make contact with him. Harold recalls that the lady and grandson did meet up. The grandson wouldn't part with the medal but agreed for the ladies to inspect it at any time. 

Note: The George Medal is awarded only for acts of great bravery and is intended primarily for civilians. A complete list of George Medal holders 1940-1983 can be found in the book "Dragons Can be Defeated" by D.V. Henderson.