THE GEORGE MEDAL
Grace O’MALLEY-KUMAR (Posthumous), for intervening in an armed attack in Nottingham on 13 June 2023.
On 13 June 2023, Miss Grace O’Malley-Kumar was walking home to student accommodation in Nottingham with a friend when they were approached by a man armed with a large knife. The assailant proceeded to carry out a sudden attack on Grace’s friend, disabling him to the ground.
Grace did not abandon her friend. With no regard for her own safety, Grace tried to protect her friend against a sustained attack knowing that the assailant was still clearly in possession of a weapon. Grace actively intervened to physically restrain the assailant in order to stop the attack. This caused the assailant to attack Grace with the knife. Despite sustaining multiple stab wounds herself, she maintained her hold and repeatedly kicked out, fighting and resisting to attempt to subdue him. Grace endured and continued to fight the attacker, trying to prevent him from further harming her friend, until she fell after sustaining multiple injuries. After collapsing, she made several attempts to rise and re-engage with the attacker to defend her friend in an attempt to save his life. Grace sustained multiple serious injuries but continued to resist to protect her friend and create an opportunity for them to escape further attack. Tragically, both Grace and her friend succumbed to their fatal injuries and passed away as a result of the attack. Grace’s exceptional courage, determination and selflessness in the face of extreme danger serve as an outstanding example of personal bravery.
Nathan NEWBY, for intervening in a suspected bombing at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds on 20 January 2023.
In the early hours of 20 January 2023, Mr Nathan Newby was receiving treatment at St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, when he met a man who Mr Newby thought may have been struggling with his mental health. After engaging in conversation with him, Mr. Newby quickly discovered that the man was in possession of a pressure cooker bomb and posed a grave and dangerous threat to the hospital. Due to the time of night, there were limited others in the area and Mr Newby was concerned that if he sought the help of others, the device may have been detonated. Despite the threat to his life, Mr Newby proceeded to engage the suspect for two hours, with the aim of persuading him to abort his plan and hand himself into the police. He convinced the suspect to use his own phone to contact the police after Mr Newby’s own phone had run out of battery. Whilst on the phone to police, the suspected bomber pulled out a firearm, and still Mr Newby persevered to neutralise the situation.
When the police arrived they confirmed that the suspected bomber was in possession of a pressure cooker bomb, knives and an imitation firearm with ammunition. Mr Newby remained calm and composed yet firm throughout this interaction, and kept the suspect calm and in conversation until the police arrived, following the 999 call. His actions in the face of imminent danger over a sustained period likely prevented a potentially catastrophic event at the hospital, and ultimately saved many lives.
KING’S GALLANTRY MEDAL
Richard O’BRIEN, for intervening in an armed attack in Barnet on 21 September 2021.
On the evening of 21 September 2021, Mr Richard O’Brien was driving alone along Wood Street, Barnet. It was dark but he observed two people arguing aggressively. Mr O’Brien stopped his car and saw that a man was stabbing a woman. Mr O’Brien drove forward to distract the attacker, then stopped, exited his car and attempted to verbally subdue the attacker. Unarmed, Mr O’Brien approached the attacker and kicked him, successfully stopping the brutal knife attack. By this stage, the victim’s injuries were significant and life threatening. Having stopped the brutal attack, Mr O’Brien managed to immobilise the attacker by kicking his face, knocking him to the ground and the knife out of his hands. He then dragged the attacker away from the knife and held him face down to the ground until police officers arrived.
Without the intervention of Mr O’Brien the victim would likely have lost her life. Mr O’Brien’s actions went well beyond detaining a dangerous attacker; he bravely used force to prevent a savage and sustained knife attack. The victim was later taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition.
Thomas COOK, for intervening in an armed attack on an approved premises in Hampshire on 1 December 2023.
On 1 December 2023, an armed assailant arrived at an approved premises in Purbrook in Hampshire and scaled the perimeter fence. Once inside the perimeter, the assailant walked through the grounds and proceeded to attack the premises and parked cars with an axe that had been concealed in his coat. The attacker used the axe to break through the outer door before a prolonged attempt to break through the internal door, eventually gaining access to the building through a smashed window. Once inside the premises, the attacker was confronted by Mr Thomas Cook who made a conscious decision to intervene, firstly by attempting to de-escalate the situation through conversation, before ultimately acting to physically disarm the individual and take control of the axe. During this struggle, Mr Cook was subjected to a serious assault, repeatedly being struck in the head and lower body. Despite this, Mr Cook persisted and was successful in preventing the assailant from regaining control of the weapon. His actions, while placing himself in considerable personal risk, likely prevented serious injury to staff and residents, and demonstrated courage, and selflessness in the face of significant danger.
Daniel JONES, for his actions during an insurgent attack on the Anjuman base, Kabul, in November 2018.
In November 2018, the Anjuman base housing contracted security staff of the British Embassy Kabul was targeted by a complex and coordinated insurgent attack from a group of assailants using improvised explosive devices, grenades and assault weapons. Daniel Jones courageously exposed himself to heavy fire in an attempt to recover his colleague, who had at this point tragically been fatally wounded. After extracting the colleague, he then advanced to engage the attackers further, and saved many lives through his leadership and bravery.
KING’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVERY
Luke GRIFFIN (Posthumous), Michael KELLY, and Daniel DUNNINGS, for their actions during an insurgent attack on the Anjuman base, Kabul, in November 2018.
In November 2018, the Anjuman base housing contracted security staff of the British Embassy Kabul was targeted by a complex and coordinated insurgent attack from a group of assailants using improvised explosive devices, grenades and assault weapons. Luke Griffin was one of the first to respond, engaging insurgents with suppressive fire that denied them access to the safe rooms, before he was tragically fatally wounded. Michael Kelly, despite sustaining a severe injury as a result of the initial blast and lacking personal protective equipment, provided defensive support by returning fire and neutralising the threat. Daniel Dunnings also responded immediately, delivering suppressive fire while exposed to the attackers, preventing their advance and maintaining composure despite the loss of his colleague Mr Griffin.
Gerald MCCAFFERTY and Bernard TURNER, for an attempted rescue during a diving incident in Caernarfon Bay, North Wales on 12 September 2021.
On 12 September 2021, during a group diving excursion in Caernarfon Bay, North Wales, off-duty Coastguard Rescue Officer, Bernard Turner, and Gerald McCafferty, responded to a Mayday call concerning an overdue diver who had not returned as scheduled. Both men insisted on joining the search and entered hazardous, choppy waters with strong currents, undertaking a difficult and dangerous descent to the seabed. Despite the highly unfavourable conditions, they located the missing diver, who was lying seemingly unconscious, and carried him to the surface before returning to shore. Tragically, the diver was later declared deceased. Both Mr Turner and Mr McCafferty required urgent first aid and oxygen treatment afterwards, having pushed themselves to the limits of endurance during the rapid dive and search.
Although the diver could not be saved, their extraordinary efforts, taken at great personal risk, ensured that his family were able to recover their loved one. Their actions demonstrated remarkable courage, determination, and selflessness in the face of extreme danger.
Richard WOODCOCK (Posthumous), for intervening in an armed attack on 26 June 2021.
On the morning of 26 June 2021, Thames Valley police received a 999 call from Mr Richard Woodcock’s wife who reported a disturbance in her neighbouring flat. She heard banging, a woman shouting for help and witnessed a man dragging a woman into the neighbouring flat while looking through the peephole in her front door. While his wife was on the phone to the Police, Mr Woodcock left their flat to go next door to assist, holding a wooden training sword for protection. After listening at the door of the flat, he became aware that there was an unconscious child inside and returned to his wife to ensure this information was passed to the police. A woman and one of her two young children from inside the neighbouring flat managed to escape, and flee into Mr Woodcock’s home, making Mr Woodcock aware that the attacker was injuring a child inside the flat.
On hearing this, Mr Woodcock then returned to the front door of the neighbouring flat where he attempted to gain entry to help the child. Mr Woodcock was then subjected to a sustained and violent attack. Police officers arrived shortly after and forced entry into the premises in time to rescue the child and transport him to the hospital for treatment, where he was able to recover from his injuries. Tragically, Mr Woodcock lost his life during the attack.
Aware of the risk to others and himself, Mr Woodcock without hesitation acted to protect a child. Despite the grave danger, his swift actions reflected courage and a determination to protect others. His bravery serves as a powerful example of selfless public spirit and personal sacrifice.
PC Mark SUTTON and PC Thomas DRANSFIELD, for rescuing a man falling from a bridge on 22 November 2023.
On 22nd November 2023, Police Constables Mark Sutton and Thomas Dransfield responded to a call regarding a male reportedly hanging from a rope by his neck beneath a bridge over a canal. At the scene, the male could only partially be seen from the bridge, as he was seemingly suspended by a rope, positioned between two pipes running parallel to the bridge and above the water. Without safety equipment, PC Sutton, swiftly and without assistance, climbed over the bridge railings to try to reach the man, who was clinging onto the pipes. PC Dransfield quickly followed to assist him, and together they managed to support the male’s weight and prevent him from falling until fire crews arrived with additional safety ropes to secure him. Both officers found this task significantly challenging as the male had become limp and unresponsive, and they were also at high risk of falling into the water below. After a prolonged and physically demanding effort, all men were finally equipped with the necessary safety apparatus, and were pulled to safety. The brave and determined actions of PC Sutton and PC Dransfield, undertaken despite significant personal risk, were instrumental in saving the man’s life.
SC Gregory BEAUMONT, for rescuing a woman from the River Thames on 17 June 2023.
On the evening of Saturday 17 June 2023, Special Constable (SC) Gregory Beaumont and his partner were walking along the South Bank of the River Thames when they observed what appeared to be a professional film crew capturing a woman in the water. Concerned by the river’s strong tidal currents and hearing the woman gurgle water, SC Beaumont approached the crew, who confirmed they had no connection to her despite filming the woman in their shots. Recognising imminent danger as the current dragged her under in fading light, SC Beaumont launched and led a rescue operation. While his partner called emergency services and secured the woman’s belongings, SC Beaumont assessed an immediate threat to life and drew on his police and military training he secured flotation aids, coordinated and led members of the public, and then entered the cold, fast-moving tidal water to swim out and reach the woman. SC Beaumont successfully managed to pull her to safety, provided his warm clothing to her, and administered first aid until the London Ambulance Service arrived. SC Beaumont’s brave and swift actions directly helped save a woman’s life and are highly commendable.
Grant MCGARRY and Nigel DUNMORE, for intervening in an armed robbery in Wool, Dorset on 7 October 2016.
On 7 October 2016, Grant McGarry and Nigel Dunmore were with friends at a pub when they both voluntarily responded to urgent calls for help from a nearby shop in Wool, Dorset. After hearing that an armed robbery was in progress at the shop, they decided to intervene despite the risks posed to themselves. Three masked men, armed with weapons, had forced members of staff into an office and were attempting to run away with money they had stolen from the premises. Upon witnessing the situation, both men ran to assist and confronted the offenders, managing to detain one of the suspects briefly before he also broke free. Mr Dunmore was struck by a crowbar during their pursuit of the offenders, who ultimately managed to make good their escape in a getaway vehicle waiting nearby.
Despite facing significant personal danger, including being assaulted during the confrontation, Mr McGarry and Mr Dunmore acted with determination to protect others and prevent the crime. Their swift and selfless actions demonstrated remarkable bravery in the face of serious threat.
Alicia RICHARDS and Molly BULMER, for intervening in an armed attack at a school in Sheffield on 1 May 2024.
During the morning of 1 May 2024, Alicia Richards and Molly Bulmer displayed exceptional bravery when they both intervened to stop an armed attacker who launched a violent assault at a school in Sheffield where they worked. The attacker entered the school armed with shards of glass, intending to carry out a violent attack. After a brief conversation with Ms Richards, the school receptionist, he launched a frenzied assault on an unsuspecting student in the school’s reception area. Ms Bulmer, the school’s youth engagement worker, immediately intervened, placing herself in danger in an attempt to restrain him and protect others. The attacker then focussed his assault on Ms Bulmer, striking her at least ten times with the glass. As the struggle continued, Ms Richards rushed to the aid of her colleague, assisting in restraining the attacker and ensuring he could not move further into the school. Their courageous actions successfully managed to prevent the assailant from entering students and staff deeper inside the building, and allowed colleagues to initiate lockdown procedures to ensure the safety of the wider school community until police arrived to arrest the assailant.
PC Rhona ADAMS, for intervening to rescue a woman on fire at a restaurant in Bradford on 10 June 2024.
Police Constable Rhona Adams displayed exceptional bravery when responding to a report of a High-Risk Missing person on 10th June 2024 as a single-crewed unit. At the scene, a busy family restaurant in Bradford, she quickly searched the premises until she located the female, who had now reportedly poured oil on herself and was threatening suicide, in the disabled toilets. Upon entering the toilets she was met with a horrifying scene; the missing woman had indeed set herself alight and was now in a highly distressed and hysterical state. PC Adams, acting bravely and without hesitation, held the female as she attempted to smother the flames. She directed restaurant staff to retrieve a fire extinguisher, which she subsequently used to successfully extinguish the flames.
PC Adams proceeded to administer first aid to the individual, while working to calm her down as they awaited ambulance service. Thanks to PC Adams’ quick response, the woman left the incident with only first and second degree burns.
Sergeant Timothy ANSELL, for intervening in an armed attack in Manchester on 26 July 2023.
With a colleague in Manchester when, without warning, his colleague was violently attacked from behind by a man wielding a knife. As he had serious injury to his neck and arms, Sergeant Ansell immediately recognised that his colleague was in severe danger and did not hesitate to intervene and place himself between his colleague and the attacker, shielding him from further harm. This triggered the attacker to turn his aggression towards Sergeant Ansell, stabbing him repeatedly.
Despite the significant, life-threatening danger he was in, Sergeant Ansell resisted through the attack to take hold of the assailant’s upper body in an attempt to prevent him from attacking others in the vicinity. Sergeant Ansell ensured he maintained the attacker’s attention, even once he had fallen to the ground as a result of the attack, allowing other officers an opportunity to move in and deploy a taser on the man. After a second taser attempt successfully subdued the assailant, officers were able to effectively restrain and handcuff him.
