The Edward Medal and the Bravery of John Samuel Mathias

The Edward Medal

Edward Medal

The Edward Medal was a British civilian decoration instituted by Royal Warrant on 13 July 1907 to recognise acts of exceptional bravery by miners and quarrymen who risked their lives to rescue fellow workers. Named in honour of King Edward VII, the award originally applied only to mining and quarrying disasters, but a further Royal Warrant of 1 December 1909 extended its scope to include acts of heroism by industrial workers involved in factory accidents and workplace emergencies. This amendment created two distinct versions of the medal: Edward Medal (Mines) and Edward Medal (Industry). The decoration remained in use until 1971, when surviving recipients—along with holders of the Albert Medal—were invited to exchange their award for the George Cross, the highest civilian gallantry award in the United Kingdom.

Early Life and Family Background

John Samuel Mathias was born in 1900 in Neath, the son of Jonah Mathias and Elizabeth Rees, who had married in 1900 in Swansea.

1901 Census

The 1901 Census records the extended family living at Briton Ferry Road, Skewen, in the household of Elizabeth’s parents, John Rees, aged 45, and his wife Elizabeth, aged 41. Their children present were John, 24, a Railway Porter; William, 23, a Spelter Worker; George, 19, a Labourer; Philip, 15; Margaret, 14; Jenkins, 11; Walter D., 8; and Annie E., 5. Also in the home were Elizabeth Mathias, aged 21, her husband Jonah, aged 24, a Hawker, and their six‑month‑old son, John S. Mathias.

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, the Mathias family had moved to Coedyrallt Farm, Coedffranc. Jonah, aged 35, was working as a General Haulier, while Elizabeth, aged 31, cared for their children: John Samuel, 10; Elsie, 8; Havilah Emilia, 6; Cecilia Phyllis, 3; and Winifred Muriel, aged 1.

Service in the First World War

John Samuel Mathias - RAF Service papers

During the closing months of the First World War, John Samuel Mathias enlisted in the newly formed Royal Air Force in October 1918, serving until his discharge in March 1919. His next of kin was recorded as his grandmother, Elizabeth Rees, and his home address was given as 5 Pritchard Terrace, Crymlyn Burrows, Swansea.

The Mathias Family in 1921

1921 Census

The 1921 Census shows John living with his widowed grandfather, John Rees, aged 65, a Chemical Worker Process Man, formerly employed by J. D. Pritchard’s Chemical Works, though out of work at the time. Also present were John Samuel, aged 20, employed as a Fitter’s Mate by the National Oil Refiners; Elsie Amelia, 18, undertaking household duties; Havilah Amelia, 16, attending school full‑time; and Cecilia Phyllis, 13, who attended school part‑time while helping at home.

The 1935 Oil Depot Tragedy

South Wales Daily Post

South Wales Daily Post

South Wales Daily Post

The name of John Samuel Mathias first appeared prominently in the press in March 1935, when the South Wales Daily Post reported on a fatal accident at the National Oil Refineries transit site at Queen’s Dock, Swansea. The article, titled “Swansea Men’s Gallantry in Death Chamber,” described how workers attempted to rescue Sydney Leonard Burn, who had fallen into oil inside a chamber filled with deadly fumes.

Mathias made a desperate attempt to save his colleague. The report noted that he was “thoroughly gassed after his first attempt and staggered like a drunken man.” Despite this, he tried again, entering the chamber without a mask. After the jury returned its verdict, the coroner and jury highly commended the bravery of Mathias, Cassels, and Martin, singling out Mathias for his exceptional courage.

Award of the Edward Medal

Herald of Wales

In June 1935, the Herald of Wales published an article titled “Echo of Swansea Oil Depot Tragedy – Edward Medal Awarded to Cwmbwrla Hero.” It announced that John Samuel Mathias, of 17 Caebricks, Cwmbwrla, had been awarded the Edward Medal by the King in recognition of his bravery on 18 March 1935.

The article described how Mathias made two heroic attempts to descend into the drainage chamber connected to the refinery’s pipelines. On his first attempt, he was forced back, “on the point of collapse.” On his second descent, he managed to grasp his colleague, but the poisonous gases had weakened him so severely that he could not maintain his hold. He struggled back to the surface “nearly dead himself.” Burn’s body was later recovered. The coroner and jury again warmly commended Mathias for his actions.

In addition to the Edward Medal, Mathias was also awarded the Bronze Medal of the Royal Humane Society for his bravery.

Tragic Death in 1937

South Wales Daily Post

Two years later, in 1937, the South Wales Daily Post reported another tragedy in an article titled “Two Swansea Young Men Killed in Crash Near Neath – Motor‑Cycle and Bus Collision.” The victims were John Samuel Mathias and Richard John Young, both of Caebricks Road, Cwmbwrla. Both men died from their injuries at Swansea Hospital.

Burial

John Samuel Mathias was laid to rest at St Matthew’s Church, Swansea, his life remembered for an act of extraordinary courage that cost him nothing less than the risk of his own life.