Albert “Bert” Dugdale EM

b. ? d. ?

DATE OF EM ACTION: 02/04/1916 Faversham, Kent.

Very little is known about Bombardier Albert Dugdale other than his actions on 2nd April 1916 at Faversham, Kent. On 2nd April 1916 there was an explosion in a store at the Faversham Powder Mills, Kent. The store contained 200 tons of TNT and the factory site some 500 tons altogether. All the buildings were destroyed and a chain of explosions followed. Fires spread rapidly and the dead and injured lay all around. Together with others, Bombardier Bert Dugdale assisted in the rescue of the wounded, showing great courage, devotion to duty and disregard for their own safety. Not only did they prevent further explosions, but by their example others became helpers when previously reluctant to help. All of those who assisted were awarded the Edward Medal.

Bombardier Bert Dugdale was awarded the Edward Medal, alongside those others who he assisted. Many years later the Edward Medal was replaced by the George Cross although by this time he had died. The 1916 explosion at Faversham was the worst in the history of the British explosives industry. 115 men and boys were killed, including all the Works Fire Brigade, in the initial and subsequent explosions. The bodies of seven victims were never found while the other 108 were buried in a mass grave at Faversham Cemetery.

Albert Dugdale EM is commemorated by having a house named after him at the Haig Housing development in Morden, Surrey.

 

EM CITATION:

Also to Lieutenant John Morley Stebbings. Corporal Charles Ashley, Bombardier Bert Dugdale, Acting Serjeant Charles Thomas Harris, and Acting Bombardier Arthur Frederick Edwards on account of their gallant conduct in assisting in the rescue work on the occasion of the explosion which occurred at Faversham on the 2nd April 1916.

 

BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.

LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.