Award BEM Cpl. S.A.J. Connolly (RAFVR), Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal

brithm · Jun 28, 2022

Award British Empire Medal (Military Division) Cpl. Stanley Arthur John Connolly (1276335), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

Corporal Connolly has been engaged on bomb disposal duties since December, 1941. In October, 1944, he and his section were detailed to clear mines and booby traps from six hotels in Blankenberghe. One day, a trip wire was fouled and three of his section were badly injured. Immediately after the casualties had been evacuated. Corporal Connolly continued with his hazardous work, which was completed five days later.

For a period of six weeks in 1944, this airman was continuously engaged in mine clearance at an airfield and, because of 'his exceptional courage, he was selected to lead breaching parties to locate the mine belts and their patterns. He found numerous Schu-mine, Teller mine, "S" mine and Holzmine belts and volunteered for any operation of a specially hazardous nature. In December, 1944, whilst working on an irregularly laid minefield in tall grass, he fouled the igniter of an "S" mine which fired. After warning other personnel Corporal Connolly lay down in time to see the "S" mine ejected from its casing and thrown into the air. Fortunately the mine failed to detonate and after exchanging his detector, which was damaged by the mine, Corporal Connolly continued his work completely unperturbed. Has example and personal bravery, shown throughout the operations, have been an inspiration to all.
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ChrisR · Jun 29, 2022

Connolly -

On one occasion while searching in long grass for mines, Corporal Connolly's mine detector touched the igniter of an 'S' mine causing it to fire. He saw the mine ejected from its casing and thrown into the air. On this occasion the mine failed to detonate. In fact, the mine had actually gone through Connolly's sweeper pad. After obtaining a replacement mine detector the men carried on with their work.

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Award BEM Cpl. S.A.J. Connolly (RAFVR), Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal

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Award BEM Cpl. S.A.J. Connolly (RAFVR), Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal

brithm Senior Member

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