Brian Spillett

George Cross and its ribbon bar

Brian Spillett GC (September 1937 - 16 January 1965) he was the only son of Ernest and Mary Spillett (nee Maddison) and brother to Christine, Rosemary and Irene Spillett, he was posthumously awarded the George Cross, the highest British (and Commonwealth) award for bravery out of combat.[1] Mr Spillet died of burns he received while trying to save a neighbour in Lodge Crescent, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. He was a Territorial Army Lance-Bombardier in P Battery, 289 Parachute Light Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery and in civilian life worked as a fitter. His George Cross was announced in a supplement to the London Gazette of 25 June 1965, and dated 29 June 1965. [2]

The London Gazette citation describes how Spillett became aware that there was a fire at a neighbouring house where three generations of a family lived. Spillett arrived, still only partly dressed, to learn that the father of the family was still in the house. The whole house was already well alight, but he went in despite being held back by other neighbours. He managed to fight his way upstairs but was unable to get through to the trapped man. He himself became trapped and had to escape the flames by jumping from a first floor window. Once the fire was over, he was found in the garden, badly burned and with other serious injuries. He was taken to hospital but died a week later. He leaves behind a young wife Jean and 18 month old daughter Jackie Spillett.

References

  1. ↑ "Brian Spillett, GC". George Cross database. Archived from the original on 16 November 2007. Retrieved 22 November 2007.
  2. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 43698. pp. 6203–6204. 25 June 1965. Retrieved 22 November 2007.

See also

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