The George Cross is the highest award for civilian gallantry in the British honours system, awarded for ‘extreme bravery not under enemy fire’ and to date there are only 407 listed recipients. 

 
It is with this in mind that we wind back clock to Christmas Eve 1894 and Hetton-le-Hole in County Durham and the birth of John, (known as Jack) Daniel Charlton to John and Elizabeth Charlton. One of nine siblings’, records indicate Jack Charlton was working in the local coal mines by 1909 at the age of 15. On 16^th August 1916 Jack's future career was to be defined when he was part of the rescue mission at Woodhorn Colliery, during the Ashington Disaster in which 13 men died following an explosion. 
 
Moving forward just over 30 years to 30^th March 1947 at Hylton Colliery, Castletown, County Durham Jack was a Mine Deputy when fellow miner Mr John Kirkhouse, was reported missing. Jack immediately conducted a search, testing for gas and looking for signs of Mr.  Kirkhouse. On seeing the light from an electric lamp, Jack and a colleague William Austin, attempted to reach Mr Kirkhouse before being forced back by poisonous gas; then, having unsuccessfully tried to clear the gas with machinery, Jack and John proceeded on hands and knees to the collapsed Mr. Kirkhouse and dragged him out, both succumbing to the gas effects on their exit. Despite these huge efforts and with great sadness, Mr Kirkhouse never recovered. 
 
Both Jack Charlton and William Austin were awarded the Edward Medal for Bravery for ‘endangering their lives to rescue fellow workers’ and were invested by King George VI at Buckingham Palace, on 24^th March 1947.

 
Jack found himself back at Buckingham Palace on 8^th November 1972 when following a Royal Warrant, his Edward Medal was exchanged for the George Cross, invested By Queen Elizabeth II. Jack then donated his Edward Medal to Sunderland Museum where it still resides.  
 
After over 50 years, Jack retired from the pits in 1960 to run a village shop in Hendon, Sunderland. Passing away on 25^th February 1976, he was survived by his wife Sara.  
 
Jack's George Cross is to be offered for sale at Sheffield Auction Gallery on 18^th June and carries a pre-sale estimate of £7,000 - £9,000, strong interest in this rare item is expected.

“It is without doubt one the highlights of my career, and a real honour to oversee the sale of this important medal, awarded to such a brave man”, commented Auction Gallery Specialist Valuer, Andrew Churchill.    
 
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of history. If you would like to view the catalogue this will be available here on our website the week prior to the sale. 

For the full story, documents, citation, auction details, etc. please contact Andrew Churchill on 0114 281 6161 or militaria@sheffieldauctiongallery.com