The First Warden in Southwark to be Awarded the George Medal

My Grandfather had served in the Royal Artillery in WWI, and in WWII he became an ARP warden in Southwark. He became the first warden in Southwark to be awarded the George Medal, but was very modest about this and reluctant to talk about it. However, when going through his papers some years after his death we found not only his medal, but a complete archive of interesting papers. Eventually my mother, my brother and myself decided to present both the medal and the archive to the Imperial War Museum in London so that other people could make use of this historical snapshot. This is his story.

A letter from the Senior Regional Commissioner, London Civil Defence Region sets the scene:

"Sir,

I recently drew the attention of the Minister of Home Security to your gallant conduct on the night of the 16/17th April, 1941, when you organised the Wardens in your Post area, where ten high explosive bombs and about three hundred incendiary bombs fell during the night, in a most efficient manner. When the Crampton Street School Stretcher Party Depot was hit, you entered the dangerous part of the building and managed to release four people before the arrival of rescue parties.

Mr Herbert Morrison felt that your courageous action was deserving of high praise and he took steps to bring the matter to the notice of His Majesty the King. I now have the pleasure of informing you, at the request of the Minister, that His Majesty has been graciously pleased to award you the George Medal in recognition of the courage which you displayed. The notice of this award will appear in a list to be published as a Supplement to the London Gazette on the evening of Friday the 25th July, 1941.

I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant"

This report appeared in the local paper:

"Southwark Council and its Mayor paid tribute at its meeting on Saturday to Post Warden Joshua Henry Barham, of 63, Penton Place, Walworth — the first Southwark warden to receive a George Medal.

The award had been announced only a few hours before the Council met. Post Warden Barham (of Post 12, St. Mary’s Ward) was rewarded for his work in a raid when a direct hit demolished part of a building, leaving the walls ready to collapse.

He entered the building and worked underneath the south wall, releasing four casualties. He continued working until the west and south walls collapsed and then directed the rescue party to the rest of the casualties who were in the debris.

Post Warden Barham has been a volunteer ARP worker since the outbreak of war. He is also an Incident Officer.

He is married and has one child.

The Mayor, Councillor Gates. in congratulating Barham, said “Although this is the first medal to be awarded in Southwark, I do not think it is the first to be deserved”.

“FINE COLLEAGUE”

Alderman Len Styles seconded the congratulations and said he offered the thanks of “us in the ARP services”, and congratulated “a fine colleague”.

Councillor Gibbons said he knew Mr. Barham’s heart and soul were in the job, and that he slept on the job. Alderman McCarthy said he lived in Mr. Barham’s area and knew of his fine work.

Mr. Barham thanked the council, especially for remarks they had made about his colleagues and his own post. “I have the finest set of boys and girls it is possible to have” he said.

The Mayor said Barham’s employer allowed him all the time off he wants for A.R.P. work.

Barham is manager for Pullen’s Estate, Southwark, and has worked for Miss E. R. Pullen, of 50, Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill, for 30 years.

Barham is Southwark’s third G.M. The first two were awarded to the rescue service."

The announcement in the Supplement to the London Gazette said:

"Joshua Henry Barham, A.R.P. Post Warden, Southwark.

A direct hit by a H.E. bomb demolished part of a building, leaving the walls in a tottering condition and liable to collapse.

Mr. Barham, ignoring the great danger to himself, entered the building and worked underneath the south wall. He was able to release four casualties and continued working until the west and south walls collapsed. He then directed the Rescue Party regarding the position of the rest of the casualties who were in the debris. Mr. Barham displayed great courage and risked his life in effecting these rescues."

There is a sheaf of telegrams and letters from friends, family and local businesses congratulating him on his reward, and all the information sent to him regarding the investiture and a dinner given in his honour. Altogether, a grandfather to be very proud of.

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