George Medal & GM (with bar)

: silver medal, 36mm diameter. Obverse design (by Mr Percy Metcalf): the crowned head of King George VI, facing left with the legend 'GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX ET INDIAE IMP:'. Reverse design: the figure of St. George, a glory around his head, on horseback facing right, driving his lance into the body of a writhing dragon. The combat is depicted on the coast of England. In the distance, forming the horizon line, the sea. Around the edge, the text 'THE GEORGE MEDAL'. Circular suspension ring. The ribbon is red with five equidistant narrow vertical stripes in 'Garter' blue. The medal is named (engraved) on the rim: 'T/SUB-LIEUT. JOHN BRIDGE, R.N.V.R.'

John Bridge’s calmness and skill under pressure was recognised by the award of several medals. He was awarded the George Medal, second from the left, for defusing a bomb with a delayed action fuze in September 1940. He was awarded a Bar to his George Medal for further bravery.

George Medal awarded during the Second World War to Temporary Sub-Lieutenant John Bridge (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve). On 2 July 1940, assigned as a bomb safety officer in the Plymouth-Falmouth area he defused his first bomb. During that tour of duty the bomb disposal teams under his command dealt with more than 100 unexploded devices. This, Bridge's first George Medal, was gazetted on December 27, and was awarded for his calm courage in making safe a bomb known to be fitted with a delayed action fuse. The bar to his George Medal was awarded for subsequent acts of bravery. On May 17 May 1941, Bridge dealt with a bomb lying in some 6ft of water at the bottom of a sluice valve chamber between two of docks at Falmouth. Bridge climbed down the shaft, slid a cable through a hole in the casing and got the bomb winched clear of the water. He then guided the device away until he was able to disarm the bomb. Working in a shaft more than 30ft below ground level, Bridge knew full well that had the bomb exploded there was no chance of escape. For what the citation called his 'cold courage', he was awarded a Bar to his George Medal - the first person to be so awarded. For summary biography and details of the circumstances of his various gallantry awards see OMD 6377. One of a group of 10 medals, OMD 6377-6386.

George Medal awarded during the Second World War to Temporary Sub-Lieutenant John Bridge (Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve). On 2 July 1940, assigned as a bomb safety officer in the Plymouth-Falmouth area he defused his first bomb. During that tour of duty the bomb disposal teams under his command dealt with more than 100 unexploded devices. This, Bridge's first George Medal, was gazetted on December 27, and was awarded for his calm courage in making safe a bomb known to be fitted with a delayed action fuse. The bar to his George Medal was awarded for subsequent acts of bravery. On May 17 May 1941, Bridge dealt with a bomb lying in some 6ft of water at the bottom of a sluice valve chamber between two of docks at Falmouth. Bridge climbed down the shaft, slid a cable through a hole in the casing and got the bomb winched clear of the water. He then guided the device away until he was able to disarm the bomb. Working in a shaft more than 30ft below ground level, Bridge knew full well that had the bomb exploded there was no chance of escape. For what the citation called his 'cold courage', he was awarded a Bar to his George Medal - the first person to be so awarded. For summary biography and details of the circumstances of his various gallantry awards see OMD 6377. See file for detailed account of his actions.

T/SUB-LIEUT. JOHN BRIDGE, R.N.V.R.