b. ? d. ?
DATE OF EM ACTION: 26/02/1918 Deep Pit, Pilkington’s Colliery, St Helen’s, Lancashire.
Very little is known about the life of jigger, Thomas Pickering, other than his actions on 26th February 1918 at the Pilkington’s Colliery, St Helen’s, Lancashire.
EM CITATION:
Peter Anders, a fireman, was inspecting a place when he was overcome by an accumulation of gas. His groans attracted several men. Where he lay was in complete darkness. It was dangerous to use a light. Pickering was the first to try to rescue the Anders. He managed to grab hold of Anders but he could not release his legs as they were fastened round a prop. Pickering was overcome with gas, but he rolled clear. Next Foster attempted to rescue Anders. He was overcome by the gas and fell, senseless. Pickering tried again but failed once more. Meanwhile Farrington arrived and went into the gas. He lost consciousness after two attempts, but he was able to grasp Foster by his legs. Pickering grasped Farrington, while he kept hold of Foster, and both were dragged out. Foster was given artificial respiration and recovered. Anders was brought out when the ventilation was restored but he was dead.
BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
