A recent addition
A recent addition to the Museum collection of badges, etc. is a Great Western Railway silver medallion issued to Charles Hewlett in 1947 in recognition of fifteen years’ service to the railway’s St. John’s Ambulance Service.
Charles (known locally as Charlie) had a long career with the GWR in South Wales; he was the last Shed Master at Pontypool Road before it closed.
Around 1940-41 Charlie administered first aid to a man and woman in Oxford Street, Griffithstown who had had their throats cut by the woman’s husband after he discovered a case of infidelity. In spite of Charlie’s first aid the pair later succumbed to their injuries.
Charlie was awarded a St. John’s Ambulance gold medal following the incident. The medal has been retained by Charlie’s nephew but we now have the 15 year medallion on display.
The murderer incidentally was sentenced ‘at his Majesty’s pleasure’ but on the death of King George VI he was released from prison.
Chasewater Railway Museum 
The medal was for 15 years first aid efficiency. It was not a St John award but efficiency involved passing the St John Ambulance Association first aid exam with the GWR Centre. This also resulted in the issue of an annual bar (label) with the year shown, often used as watch chains!
The gold medal for exceptional first aid was issued annually – 1 gold medal, 1 silver and 1 bronze with about a dozen certificates. I have images of one issued a few years earlier.
Alan J Sharkey
Former Assistant Director General
St John Ambulance Association