Civilian Bravery Honoured in 2023 Gallantry Awards
The 2023 Civilian Gallantry List recognises 15 fearless heroes who risked life and limb to save others. This marks the last set of awards approved by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, capping seven decades of gallantry honours.
Final Tribute to The Queen’s Gallantry Heroes
- 15 civilians named for acts of extraordinary courage
- Includes a brave man who died stopping an armed attacker and a woman who rescued an elderly neighbour from a blazing home
- Recipients receive The Queen’s Gallantry Medal or The Queen’s Commendation for Bravery
- Future gallantry awards will be approved by King Charles III
The awards honour those who put themselves in grave danger to save or attempt to save lives. Nominations come from the public and are carefully assessed by the George Cross Committee before the Sovereign gives final approval.
Oliver Dowden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, praised the recipients:
“We all hope we’d react with courage in the face of danger. These people have lived through that test and responded in the most admirable way. Their selfless actions have saved lives, and I want to express profound thanks for their willingness to put themselves in danger to protect others. They are all extremely worthy winners of the final Civilian Gallantry awards of Her Majesty the late Queen.”
Heroic Highlights: Queen’s Gallantry Medal Winners
Stopping an Armed Attacker in Penygraig
Lisa Way, Ayette Bounouri, and John Rees (posthumous)
On 5th May 2020, these three confronted a knife-wielding assailant at a Co-op on Penygraig High Street. John Rees bravely tackled the attacker but fell; Lisa Way and Ayette Bounouri risked being stabbed trying to restrain her. Ayette even used a shopping basket as a shield. Despite the ferocious attack, their courage prevented more harm. Tragically, John Rees lost his life intervening.
Breaking Up Terror at London’s Fishmongers’ Hall
Steven Gallant, John Crilly, Darryn Frost and Lukasz Koczocik
During a deadly terror attack on 29th November 2019 at Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge, these four risked it all to stop the knifeman wearing a fake suicide vest. Steven Gallant grabbed a narwhal tusk to fend off the attacker, John Crilly hurled a lectern and sprayed fire extinguisher foam to protect victims, Darryn Frost restrained the attacker on the ground despite threats from the bomb, and Lukasz Koczocik sustained serious stab wounds while shielding others.
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery Awards
Rescuing a Victim During the Fishmongers’ Hall Terrorism
Adam Roberts
A Prison Officer, Adam provided emergency first aid and CPR to a victim despite the ongoing attack, demonstrating calm under fire.
Saving Passengers from A38 Blaze
Ed Durante and Craig Jones
Off duty, Ed Durante and Jamie Jones sprang into action when a crash caused a fire on the A38. Ed dragged unconscious passengers from the burning wreck, while Craig rescued and treated a six-year-old child trapped inside. Their swift lifesaving saved multiple lives as flames engulfed the vehicle.
Rescuing Neighbour from House Fire
Bardha Kola
Alerted by her husband, Bardha entered a blazing house to find and carry her elderly neighbour to safety, despite intense flames and collapsing roof beams. Her bravery during this terrifying ordeal bought precious time before firefighters arrived.
Saving a Man from the River Irwell
PC Mohammed Nadeem
In freezing, fast-flowing water, PC Nadeem jumped from an 8ft height fully kitted to save a suicidal war veteran. Holding the man tightly, resisting the river’s pull, PC Nadeem’s heroic rescue prevented a tragic death.
Pulling Woman from Fatal House Fire
Kenneth Wood and Rafal Majchrzak
Despite a petrol-fuelled fire blazing through a Lincolnshire home, the duo smashed glass and pulled a trapped woman to safety, minutes before the house was engulfed.
Rescue After North Yorkshire Head-On Collision
Andrew Lax
Following a horrific head-on crash, Andrew dragged an injured motorist from a vehicle ablaze before the fire consumed both cars. His quick thinking spared the motorist from certain death.
