b. ? d. ?
DATE OF EM ACTION: 30/01/1909 Kimberley, South Africa.
Very little is known about miner Benjamin Kelly other than his actions in the diamond mine at Kimberley on 30th January 1909.
EM CITATION:
On the 30th January, 1909, a mud rush occurred in the Kimberley Mine, causing six natives to be completely cut off by 65 feet of mud. An attempt was made to clear the mud away but a second rush took place, and it was decided that the only possible method of reaching the men was by working over the top of the mud and handing the mud back in small quantities. The men concerned, after most arduous labour — they could only work stretched on planks — succeeded in rescuing the miners who had been entombed forty hours. There was great risk of a further rush, which would have overwhelmed the workers.
BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: PRIVATELY HELD. SOLD AT AUCTION IN JULY 2020 FOR £3,400.
Acknowledgement:
Dix Noonan Webb – Image of the Kelly Edward Medal.