George cross recipient. On 18th January 1940, an explosion ripped through the no. 5 mixing house, killing the three men working there as well as two men working in no. 20 stove nearby. O'Hagan, Stanley Sewell and William Sylvester were working in no. 2 washing house only 150 yards from the explosion, which damaged the hot water and air services. At the time, over 1,000lb of unstable nitroglycerine was being processed. The three men stood by their post for some two hours until the services were restored and then continued with their work until the whole charge had been brought to a state of stability. During this time there were further explosions. Less than a month later, on 6th February 1940, all three men were awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal of the Civil Division. Later that year following the creation of the George Cross, all three men were entitled to exchange their medals. Leo decided to do his bit in the armed services and enlisted with the Royal Navy in 1943 serving on HMS Patricia.
George cross recipient. On 18th January 1940, an explosion ripped through the no. 5 mixing house, killing the three men working there as well as two men working in no. 20 stove nearby. O'Hagan, Stanley Sewell and William Sylvester were working in no. 2 washing house only 150 yards from the explosion, which damaged the hot water and air services. At the time, over 1,000lb of unstable nitroglycerine was being processed. The three men stood by their post for some two hours until the services were restored and then continued with their work until the whole charge had been brought to a state of stability. During this time there were further explosions. Less than a month later, on 6th February 1940, all three men were awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal of the Civil Division. Later that year following the creation of the George Cross, all three men were entitled to exchange their medals. Leo decided to do his bit in the armed services and enlisted with the Royal Navy in 1943 serving on HMS Patricia.
Bio by: Paul Barnett
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