b. ? 1904 d. 3rd Q 1968 Halifax, Yorkshire.
DATE OF EM ACTION: 27/11/1918 Nahum Union Mills Company, Halifax, Yorkshire.
George Hoyle was just fourteen years of age when he was awarded the Edward Medal for his rescue of over 20 lives at the Nahum Union Mills Company in Halifax, Yorkshire on 27th November 1918. George was presented with his Edward Medal at Buckingham Palace by King George V on 17th July 1919.
EM CITATION:
On the 27th November, 1918, at about 4.0 p.m., a fire broke out on the third floor of the cotton factory of Nahums’ Union Mills Company, Halifax, and at once spread with very great rapidity. Hoyle, who is only 14 years of age, was working in the basement. As soon as he heard of the fire, he took a chemical extinguisher and ran up to the third floor. He then warned the women employed on the upper floors. By this time both staircases were burning, so that retreat by this means was impossible. He at once opened the crane door, and after seeing that the chain was run out to its full length, drew it in, and assisted about 25 women to descend by it. He remained until the last, and then descended himself without injury. Fifteen minutes after the fire broke out, the roof of the factory fell in. By his coolness and courage Hoyle undoubtedly saved upwards of 20 lives at the risk of his own life.
BURIAL LOCATION: PARK WOOD CREMATORIUM, HALIFAX, WEST YORKSHIRE.
ASHES SCATTERED.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
