London Auxiliary Fireman Frederick Davies, who died Aug. 23, 1945, was posthumously awarded the George Cross - the highest British award for bravery out of combat - for attempting to rescue two girls from a fire in Harlesden. He was 32.
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The citation, published in the London Gazette, said the firefighter climbed an escape ladder as flames licked at the front of the building and upon reaching a window "he at once tried to enter but bursts of flame momentarily halted him. Undaunted, however, he climbed into the window with his back to the flames and entered the room. He was seen to endeavour to remove his tunic presumably to wrap it around and protect the children."
