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Map
Hand drawn map showing the layout of the medal ceremony during which John Llewellyn Davies was awarded the George Medal. The map shows the layout of the room, indicating the orchestra, cloakroom, dais, steps and seats. Marked with Xs are the locations of people including "the King", "Lord Chamberlain", "Officers", "Us". Dotted lines, labelled "Capt and J" and "progress of Lyn" (Davies's nickname), show the route taken by Davies around the room and onto the stage.
Davies was an Auxiliary Fireman during the London Blitz. He rescued a family from their house during an air raid on Chingford, Essex, on 30th September/1st October 1940. He received the George Medal for his heroism and the Defence Medal for his service (90.21H/1-2).
Davies, originally from Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, was off duty when he rescued the family using his bare hands to tunnel through the wreckage of their house. He then used his body to lever up and support the wreckage, while another fireman pulled out the family. His exertions that night are thought to have contributed to his early death, 10 years later, at the age of 50.