Albert Medal, 2nd Class for Gallantry in Saving Life on Land named to 'William Walters, Collier,...

Albert Medal, 2^nd Class for Gallantry in Saving Life on Land named to 'William Walters, Collier, for saving life at the Abercarn Colliery, September 1878'. Made by Phillips, numbered 42, in original fitted case.

The Albert Medal was issued for gallantry at sea from 1866 and on land from 1877. It was the precursor to the George Cross. This 2^nd class example in bronze was issued to William Walters, collier, for his actions during the Abercarn Colliery disaster in 1878.

On 11^th of September 1878, an explosion in the colliery in Abercarn, Monmouth, caused extensive damage to the shaft and surrounding area. Coal and timbers caught fire trapping those underground without a means of escape. After the two official rescue teams were withdrawn, the conditions having been determined too treacherous, Walters and eight other mine workers braved the inferno and an almost inevitable second explosion to save their trapped colleagues. Despite the perilous conditions the men remained in the shaft aiding the rescue of others until they were sure no survivors remained.

The mine was flooded by the nearby canal, taking two months and 35 million gallons of water to fully extinguish the fire. The bodies of many of the 268 who had died remained underground, making it one of the worst mining disasters in the country's history.