George Inwood

Section Commander George Walter Inwood GC (22 September 1905 – 16 October 1940) of the Home Guard was posthumously awarded the George Cross for the "...highest form of cool courage and self-sacrifice for others" he displayed on the night of the 15/16 October 1940 during the Birmingham Blitz.[1]

Sgt. / Sect. Cdr.

George Walter Inwood

GC
George W. Inwood in 19??
Born(1905-09-22)22 September 1905
Birmingham, England
Died16 October 1940(1940-10-16) (aged 34)
Birmingham, England
Buried
Yardley Cemetery, Birmingham. Grave No. 46739
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branchHome Guard
Years of service1939-1940
RankSergeant / Section Commander
Unit10th Birmingham (Public Utilities) Battalion (later 30th Warwickshire Battalion)
Battles/warsWorld War II
Awards George Cross

Biography

Not much is known of George's life before the military. Inwood was born on 22 September 1905,[2] the son of George Walter Inwood (aka William Thomas Inwood) and Margaret Caroline (née Jones) and was baptised in St. Martin's, Birmingham, (then in Warwickshire, now in the West Midlands county), on 11 October 1905. He is buried in plot 46739 of Yardley Cemetery in Birmingham.

15/16 October 1940

"Immediately following an intense air raid on the night of 15/16th October 1940, Section Commander Inwood was asked by the police to assist in rescue duty in Bishop Street, Birmingham (in the Five Ways area).

Taking charge of a party of six volunteers, he found that several people were imprisoned in a gas-filled cellar. A small hole was made and Section Commander Inwood was lowered into the cavity. With great difficulty he succeeded in bringing up two males alive. Although nearly exhausted, he entered the cavern a third time and was overcome by the fumes, being dragged out by one of his comrades. Despite the attention of a doctor and nurse, it was impossible to revive Section Commander Inwood.

He showed the highest form of cool courage and self-sacrifice for others."[3][4][5]

George Cross citation

Notice of his Inwood's George Cross appeared in the London Gazette on 27 May 1941.[6]

The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Cross, for most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner, to Section Commander G. W. Inwood, Home Guard (since deceased).

His widow received his award at an investiture on 10 October 1941. The medal is now displayed at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.[7]

Notes
  1. WW2 Awards - G.W. Inwood GC
  2. "Date given on baptismal entry: St Martin, Birmingham, Warwickshire". Birmingham, England, Church of England Baptisms.
  3. "Recommendation for Award". National Archives.
  4. "The London Gazette". 27 May 1941.
  5. "The Times". 28 May 1941.
  6. "No. 35173". The London Gazette. 27 May 1941. p. 3019.
  7. BMAG display label
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