Collections Online

Distinguished conduct medal awarded to Peter Bevan for the protection of life from fire, British Steel Corporation, East Moors Cardiff on 11 Feb 1975.

From The London Gazette 16th February 1976:

"At about 11am on the 11th February 1975, explosions occurred inside an open hearth furnace in the melting shop of the British Steel Corporation's East Moors Works at Cardiff. After several explosions three doors of the furnace were blown down and at each subsequent eruption molten metal and slag were ejected through the door openings on to the charging platform. In all there were about 60 eruptions at 20 second intervals.

A simultaneous electrical failure caused the overhead electrical crane to stop with the driver's cab in line with one of the furnace doorways. As a result each eruption of molten metal from the furnace showered the driver's cab which was set alight. The driver's clothing also caught fire.

The driver ran on to a platform at the rear of the cab, but metal continued to rain upon him through the open doorway of the cab and also, by deflection, from the framework of the crane itself.

Mr. Bevan and others saw the plight of the crane driver and raised a ladder to the platform on which the driver was standing some 12 feet from the ground. By this time the flying molten metal and slag had burnt the clothing off the lower half of the driver's body, causing second and third degree burns over 60 percent of his body. Because of these severe injuries he was unable to use the ladder to make his escape.

Disregarding the flying metal, Mr. Bevan climbed the ladder and helped the driver to the ground. During this rescue operation explosions were occurring within the furnace and molten metal and slag continued to shower the platform and ladder. The people at the foot of the ladder were able to shelter behind scrap boxes and bogies, but for almost 10 minutes Mr. Bevan was exposed to the flying molten metal and slag.

Mr. Bevan's actions undoubtedly led to the saving of the crane driver's life, although subsequent amputation of both the driver's legs to below knee level and partial amputation of both hands has been necessary.

Mr. Bevan was fully aware of the dangers associated with molten metal and he displayed courage of a very high order and a complete disregard for his own safety when he went to the rescue of his injured colleague."