Personal info

  • Name: Percival Leslie NORWOOD
  • D.O.B: 15th Nov, 1893
  • D.O.A: 27th Nov, 1913
  • D.O.D: 29th Jun, 1972
  • Award: Edward Medal translated to George Cross
  • Occupation at time of action: Junior Clerk
  • Book: The Complete History - Volume 1
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Sources & Acknowledgements

AWARDS FROM 1902 TO 1914

Citation

 His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to award the Edward Medal of the First Class to Percy Norwood under the following circumstances:— On the afternoon of the 27th November, 1913, a blacksmith named Harry Rasell was driving downhill towards the London and South-Western Railway Station, Liss, when his pony bolted and dashed into the gates of a level-crossing, which were already closed owing to the approach of a train only 80 to 120 yards away. Rasell was pitched over the gates and lay stunned across the inside rail on which the train was approaching. The driver of the train put on his brakes and reversed the engine, but was unable to pull up until he had run over the level-crossing. Just as the train came up, Norwood jumped down from the platform and tried to pull Rasell clear by his legs; failing to do so, he went in front of the engine, grasped Rasell by the shoulder, and tried to roll him over. Norwood just succeeded in getting Rasell clear, but was struck on the head by the front of the engine, which came to a standstill a few yards further on. If the driver had not reversed his engine, both Rasell and Norwood must have been killed. The injuries to Norwood’s head were serious, and he is stated by the doctor who attended him to have had a miraculous escape from death. His intention to effect the rescue at all hazards is shown by his changing his hold on Rasell, and by his maintaining his hold after being struck by the engine 

(The London Gazette of 13 February 1914, Numb. 28801, pp. 1173-74)

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