George Samuel Sewell facts for kids

George Samuel Sewell (born September 26, 1897 – died April 5, 1969) was a very brave British engineer. He was one of the first people to receive the George Medal. This medal is given for acts of great bravery. George Sewell was also the first civilian to get a "Bar" to the George Medal. A Bar means he received the medal a second time for another act of bravery.

Early Life and Work

George Sewell was born in Sunderland, England. When he was young, he tried to join the army during World War I. But he was too young, so he was sent home. Instead, he trained to become a marine engineer. This job involves working with engines on ships.

After working in the Merchant Navy (ships that carry goods), George Sewell joined a company called Shell-Mex & BP. By the time World War II started, he worked at their oil plant in Saltend, near Hull. Besides his engineering tasks, he was also in charge of the plant's fire brigade.

First Act of Bravery

On July 1, 1940, a German bomber attacked the oil refinery where George worked. Bombs hit one of the large petrol storage tanks. This caused the gas inside to catch fire.

George Sewell, along with other managers and firefighters, bravely went into the area. While others moved gas from nearby tanks, George led his team. He even climbed onto the burning tank's roof! He used foam and sandbags to try and put out the flames. Their quick actions saved the plant from major damage.

Later that year, King George VI created the George Medal. George Sewell and four other brave firefighters were among the very first people to receive this new medal.

Second Act of Bravery

Less than a year later, on May 8, 1941, the refinery was bombed again during an air raid on Hull. Another petrol tank caught fire after being hit by an incendiary bomb (a bomb designed to start fires).

Even though enemy planes were still flying overhead and bombs were falling, George Sewell acted quickly. He immediately climbed to the top of the burning tank. He placed bags of sand over the holes, putting out the fire. Then, he climbed onto another tank and kicked a burning bomb off it!

George Sewell's brave actions stopped a huge fire. This saved valuable fuel and the plant itself. For this second act of bravery, he was awarded a Bar to his George Medal. This meant he received the medal a second time. He went to Buckingham Palace twice to receive his awards.

Later Life

George Sewell continued to live and work in Hull. He retired in 1958 and passed away in 1969. He is remembered for his incredible courage during the war.