The Campaign for a Review

In the aftermath of the Maypole Colliery Disaster of 18 August 1908, James Fox and Thomas Morris volunteered for an exceptionally dangerous descent into the damaged mine.

In darkness, amid poisonous gases and the continuing risk of further explosions, they searched for two men believed to be trapped underground.

Their bravery was widely recognised, and both men were recommended for the newly established Edward Medal—then one of the country’s highest awards for gallantry in mines. 

Yet the proposed awards were refused. Questions have remained ever since about how the decision was reached, whether all the evidence was properly considered and whether Fox and Morris were treated justly.

More than a century later, a campaign led by Gavin Purdon and supported by Wigan Building Preservation Trust and Abram Heritage and History is seeking an official review of the case. 

The campaign is not an attempt to rewrite history, but to have the original decision examined openly and fairly in the light of the surviving evidence.

The Edward Medal was later incorporated into the George Cross. Although honours are not normally awarded so retrospectively, official guidance allows exceptional cases involving a demonstrable historical injustice to be reconsidered.

This website brings together the history of the rescue, the circumstances surrounding the medal refusal, the documentary evidence and the continuing campaign for recognition. 

Its purpose is simple: to ensure that the courage of James Fox and Thomas Morris is fully acknowledged and that this unresolved debt of honour is finally reviewed.

Support the Campaign

An online petition is being prepared to allow members of the Wigan public to add their names in support of the campaign. 

By signing, supporters will be asking the appropriate authorities to undertake a formal review of the 1908 decision and to consider suitable posthumous recognition for James Fox and Thomas Morris.

Every name will help demonstrate the strength of public support—not only in Wigan and Abram, but among everyone who believes that exceptional courage should be properly recognised.