#Story
Sam Moore, Stretcher Bearer
Between August and October 1940, Coventry was subjected to 17 bombing raids by the Luftwaffe (German Air Force). A total of nearly 200 tonnes of bombs had been dropped onto the city. One raid took place on the night of 21 October 1940 which struck the city centre area.
Sam Moore, aged 43, lived at The Hostels, Holbrook Lane. He was by trade an electrical wire man but had volunteered to work as a stretcher bearer supporting the emergency services.
Sam was on duty on the night of 21 October when a Luftwaffe raid began to hit the city centre area. A high explosive bomb hit the rear of 3 Gibney Terrace. There was an air raid shelter at the rear in which reports stated that ten people were trapped.
Sam attended 3 Gibney Terrance whilst the bombs continued to fall around the area. He was able to rescue the ten people and immediately began to offer first aid to those that were injured.
It was officially reported that ‘he worked untiringly in giving them first aid ministrations until they were taken off in the ambulances.’ He worked in dangerous conditions with bombs falling close, the shelter he was attending and the neighbour’s house werehit.
Sam’s actions were reported to the Police Chief Constable by Dr Masey, Director of Emergency Medical Services and Medical Officer of Health, Coventry. He stated that Sam, ‘by the end of the night was in a state of collapse himself, but he refused to give in until his difficult and dangerous task was completed’.
Sam was nominated for the George Medal for his brave and gallant actions on the night of 21 October. This is the highest gallantry award that can be awarded to a civilian.