b. c.1911 Kilmington, Devon. d. 10/08/1956 Marshwood, Dorset.
DATE OF AM ACTION: 10/08/1956 Marshwood, Dorset.
William Coles was born in Kilmington, Devon, the son of William and Mary Alice Coles (nee Wright). He married Doris and had three daughters. He owned and ran Higher Sminhay Farm in Marshwood, Dorset prior to his death.
AM CITATION:
The QUEEN has been pleased to award the Albert Medal to the late Mr. William John Coles in recognition of his gallantry in the following circumstances:— A man who had been digging a well, the shaft of which was 30 feet deep but only 2 ft. 6 ins. wide, was missing. Mr. Coles was called and volunteered to make a search. Later, other searchers heard groans coming from the well and it was then discovered that Mr. Coles, without safety equipment or other assistance, had descended the well in an attempt to find the missing man. Both men were brought to the surface eventually and despite artificial respiration, Mr. Coles died soon afterwards.
BURIAL LOCATION: ST WITTE’S CHURCHYARD, WHITCHURCH CANONICORUM, DORSET.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY OWNED.
Acknowledgement:
Sylvia Creed-Castle – Image of Coles AM Grave.