b. 25/10/1902 Widnes, Lancashire. d. 02/08/1962 Whiston, Lancashire.
DATE OF EM ACTION: 01/10/1925 Widnes, Lancashire.
Alfred was born on 25th October 1902 in Widnes, Lancashire, the fourth of six children of William Frederick and Ellen Welding. The family lived at 63 Pitt Street in Widnes, and his father’s occupation was as a labourer at High Speed Steel Alloys Ltd. Alfred followed in his father’s footsteps and also began work at the chemical works. Alfred was just 22 at the time of the incident which led to the award of the Edward Medal. Alfred remained unmarried and lived with his widowed mother until her death. He then inherited the family home where he lived for the rest of his life. He died in hospital in Whiston, aged 59 and left his estate to his brother James.
EM CITATION:
On October 1st, 1925, a youth named Harper employed at the works of the High Speed Steel Alloys Ltd., at Widnes, fell into a vat 60 feet high and 8 feet in diameter containing vanadic acid. The contents of the vail formed a jelly-like substance at a scalding temperature and Harper though his head was clear of the acid was quickly sinking and would have been submerged in a few seconds. Welding, a fellow worker, heard Harper’s shouts for help. He ran to his assistance and without hesitation jumped into the vat and, by holding up Harper, prevented the latter’s complete immersion. It was some three or four minutes before help arrived and both men were severely scalded before being dragged out. Welding showed great promptitude in going’ to’ Harper’s assistance. He must have known the grave risk he ran in entering the vat and there is- no doubt that but for his help Harper would have lost his life.
BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
