b. 17/09/1902 11 Devonshire St, Peckham, London. d. 12/05/1972 Bearsted, Kent.
DATE AND PLACE OF GC ACTION: 06/12/1926 London.
Herbert Reuben Henderson (1902-1972) was born on 17th September 1902 in Peckham, London, the son of Herbert Reuben and Mary Jane Henderson (nee Routledge). The Henderson family lived at 109 Kings Road, Peckham. Herbert senior was originally from London and was an employee of the Post Office, and later a licensed victualler. His mother came from Carlisle and Herbert junior was their fifth child.
Herbert R Henderson GC
Little else is known about Herbert junior’s life other than the events of 6th December 1926. On that day, Herbert was working at the W.A. Henderson Film Treatment Works when a dangerous fire broke out. Henderson, although badly burned and in great danger, succeeded in carrying to safety a blazing cinematograph film, and in removing other films that were in danger of igniting, thereby preventing a major explosion.
As a result of his actions, Herbert was awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal of the Civil Division on 18th March 1927. In 1928, he married Freda Ruby Norris, and they had a daughter. He later re-married in 1948 to Phyllis Pilford. In September 1940, after the creation of the George Cross, Herbert’s EGM was exchanged for the new medal. Sadly, little else is known about his life. Herbert died on 12th May 1972 in Bearsted, near Maidstone, Kent and was cremated at Vintners Park Crematorium. There is an entry in the Book of Remembrance for him. His GC, 1953 Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal and 1977 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal are privately held.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: PRIVATELY HELD.
BURIAL PLACE: VINTNERS PARK CREMATORIUM, MAIDSTONE, KENT.
NAMED IN THE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE.