Civilians Honoured for Daring Acts of Bravery
The 2023 Civilian Gallantry List has named 15 heroes who risked life and limb to save others. Their courageous deeds earned them either The Queen’s Gallantry Medal or The Queen’s Commendation for Bravery. This marks the final awards approved by the late Queen Elizabeth II after 70 years — the next honourees will receive awards under His Majesty The King’s name.
From Armed Attacks to House Fires: Courage in Action
- A civilian lost his life bravely tackling an armed attacker.
- A woman rescued her elderly neighbour from a blazing house.
- Firefighters, police officers and everyday citizens all feature among the honoured.
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.”
Heroes vs Armed Attacker in Penygraig
Lisa Way, Ayette Bounouri, and John Rees (posthumously) were honoured for their gallantry during a deadly stabbing attack at a Co-op store in Penygraig in May 2020. John Rees tried to disarm the attacker while Bounouri used a shopping basket as a shield. Lisa Way grabbed the attacker’s hand to stop further stabs. Tragically, John Rees lost his life. Their courage undoubtedly saved others.
Stopping Terror at Fishmongers’ Hall
During the 2019 terrorist assault at a Learning Together event in London, Steven Gallant, John Crilly, Darryn Frost, Lukasz Koczocik, and Adam Roberts (awarded a Queen’s Commendation) intervened heroically. They confronted an attacker armed with knives and a fake suicide belt, preventing more carnage. Gallant used a narwhal tusk to halt the attacker, Crilly threw a lectern and sprayed him with a fire extinguisher, and Koczocik was wounded while restraining him. Their actions forced the attacker off the premises and ultimately to police arrest.
Life-Saving Rescues in Fiery Crashes and House Fires
- Ed Durante and Craig Jones pulled five unconscious people from a flaming crash on the A38 in 2021, including a six-year-old child.
- Bardha Kola braved collapsing burning beams to save her elderly neighbour trapped in a fire in January 2020.
- PC Mohammed Nadeem dived into freezing, fast-flowing water in 2018 to rescue a man threatening suicide from the River Irwell.
- Kenneth Wood and Rafal Majchrzak smashed through a window to drag a woman from a petrol-fuelled fire that killed three in Lincolnshire, 2019.
- Andrew Lax saved a motorist from a burning car after a head-on collision in North Yorkshire in 2019, pulling him through the window as flames engulfed the wreck.
Nominate A Hero
The public is invited to nominate everyday heroes who risk their lives to save others. The George Cross Committee assesses nominations before approval by the Sovereign. These awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary bravery of ordinary people.
Read more about the courageous acts recognised in the Civilian Gallantry List and honour these fearless individuals who put others first when danger struck.
