#Story
Dorothy Vane earns a George Medal
Between August and October 1940, Coventry was subjected to 17 bombing raids by the Luftwaffe (German Air Force). At total of nearly 200 tonnes of bombs was dropped onto the city. One raid took place on the night of 19 to 20 October 1940, which struck the area of the Morris Works.
The Morris works was a key factory in Coventry for the war industry, producing engines and armaments. This was a target for the Luftwaffe. Next to the Morris works was Ambulance Depot No.1, which adjoined the works.
On the night of 19 October when the bombing raid began, Dorothy Vane, an ambulance driver, was present by the works. Incendiary bombs began to fall all around, and she immediately headed for the Ambulance Depot. When she reached the depot, she found that it had been evacuated with nobody present.
With the continuing incendiary bombs falling and now anti-aircraft shrapnel, Dorothy went into action to save the ambulances and to try and prevent them from being destroyed. She took charge of the depot and began to move ambulances to a safer place, all under the danger of falling bombs and shrapnel.
It was recorded after the raid by the Police Chief Constable that thanks to Dorothy's prompt actions, the depot was quickly able to be bought back into an operational capacity. It was further stated that on numerous further occasions prior to this, Dorothy had driven her ambulance to and from air raid incidents. This was all under great danger and she had shown unfailing devotion to duty at all times.
Dorothy was nominated for the George Medal, the highest gallantry award for bravery that can be awarded to a civilian. She was 26 years of age and lived at 38 Thomas Lanadall Street, Coventry, with her husband.