WW2 ‘Leeds Blitz’ George Medal and Defence Medal – Harry Lee, Roof Spotter, Leeds City Gas Undertaking

A superb ‘Leeds Blitz’ George Medal to Harry Lee, a roof spotter at Leeds City Gas Works, who was the City’s first recipient of the award.

George Medal named to Harry Lee 
WW2 Defence Medal unnamed as issued 

On the 14th March 1941, Harry Lee reported for duty at the Gas Works and took his post at the top of a 50ft tower. Just after 9pm around 40 bombers took part in the raid on Leeds. Seeing that fires were breaking out, he left his post and ran to warn people in the nearby streets of the danger. By the time he had organised fire parties, bombs were already exploding around him. As well as putting out a number incendiaries himself, he helped neighbours to damp down fires that would have made a target for later raids, before returning to his post, while bombs were falling around the surrounding property. He remained on duty for 12 hours until he was sure that there was no further work he needed to do. 

For his actions he was awarded the George Medal and became Leeds’s first ever recipient of the award. 

Before becoming a member of the Home Guard, Harry Lee served in the Army from 1919 for seven years and then spent 13 years in the Reserves. 

Citation:
L.G. 02/05/1941 (p. 2488)
 ‘A large number of incendiary and high explosive bombs fell on and near a Gas Works. Lee from his post forty feet above the ground gave directions to the Works fire-fighting squads and fires were quicly tackled and kept under control. He also gave information about bombs which had dropped in the streets adjoining the Works. 
 Although Lee had permission to descend to a place of safety he did not do so and remained at his exposed post whilst bombs and shell splinters were falling all round. 
 The behaviour of the Works personnel on duty during the raid was exemplary, and was undoubtedly stimulated by the calm courage displayed by Lee.’ 

The group comes with original Investiture letter, newspaper cuttings and copy of his citation. 

The medals are in good condition.

Era: WW2