Civilian LEONARD JAMES MILES

The citation applying to the award of the George Cross announced in the London Gazette of 14th January, 1941, gives the following details: "Volunteer warden, Mr. L. J. Miles, was on duty when he was warned of imminent danger of an explosion nearby. He could have taken a few paces and gone to a public shelter only a few yards away, but instead his sense of duty forced him to run towards the scene to warn members of the public he knew to be in their houses. He had succeeded in warning certain of the residents when the explosion occurred, inflicting serious injuries which proved fatal. Whilst lying awaiting the ambulance to remove him to hospital, he was conscious and obviously suffering; this did not reduce his sense of duty and when a fellow warden approached him to render whatever aid he could, Miles instructed him to attend first to the fire which had been caused by a fractured gas main. Warden Miles showed magnificent courage and devotion to duty."