'At CORBIE on 18th June, 1918, for great gallantry and devotion to duty. At one o'clock in the morning a fire broke out in a building near one of the bridges in CORBIE and spread rapidly. This N.C.O. and Sapper, with another N.C.O., without a moment's hesitation climbed under the bridge and removed ten large explosive charges placed there ready to demolish it, and threw them into the river. The flames were within seven feet of the charges at the time, and the fuses had begun to melt. Having done this, they cut the fuses leading to a charge of 250 lbs. In the abutment of the bridge, and heaped earth over it to prevent it becoming overheated, as it was not possible to remove it. Their prompt and courageous action averted a grave risk of the destruction of a valuable bridge. This bridge is situated in a part of CORBIE that is frequently shelled. On the day in question one of the enemy shells burst in the building amongst some inflammable material - cotton waste from a weaving plant - thus causing the fire.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919