BB Gazette Vol.57 No.6 – The Boys’ Brigade Cross for Heroism has been awarded to Sergeant Robert Mitchell, aged 18, of the 3rd Lurgan Company for his bravery in attempting to save the life of a fellow worker who received fatal burning injuries in a furnace room at Lurgan on 8th March.

The young man was in the act of loading a tempering furnace when there was a sudden blinding flash and he was immediately enveloped in flames. Mitchell dashed forward, clasped him in his arms and heedless of his own danger attempted to put out the flames, tearing away the man’s blazing clothes which were impregnated with molten salts. At last Mitchell fell back choking and burning and others smothered the flames. Both lads were then taken to hospital. Mitchell had severe burns on his body, arms, hands and legs, but he insisted that his fellow worker should be treated first. The rescued man’s injuries were so severe that he died.