Harold Newgass - 29/30 November 1940

29/30 November 1940

On November evening of 28/29 November 1940, a German parachute mine fell on the Garston Gas Works in Merseyside. It was unknown whether it was magnetic, acoustic, delayed action or just a "dud". Consequently, this caused extensive disruption in the area, with factory work halted and over 6,000 people removed from the vicinity. Additionally, railway and dock sidings were closed and the gas supply to the south and east of Liverpool was disrupted.

The "luftmine" had fallen through a large gas holder and its parachute had become entangled in the hole in the roof. The large entry hole made by the mine allowed gas to escape and a portion of the roof to sink. The mine was resting on the floor nearly upright, nose down in some 7 feet (2.1 m) of oily water. It was also leaning on one of the 7 feet (2.1 m)-high brick piers on which, in turn, the iron pillars that supported the roof were fixed.

Additionally, the mine's fuse mechanism was against the pillar, meaning that the mine had to be turned before it could be defused. Some of the water was pumped out and an access hole was cut into the side of the gas holder. The job of now rendering the mine safe was left to Temporary Lieutenant Harold Newgass.

Newgass could only enter the gas holder with the aid of breathing apparatus supplying oxygen via cylinder. The Auxiliary Fire Service prepared six cylinders, each with a life of about 30 minutes. He would have to take in in stages over the next two days.

Newgass now worked hard to utilise each available cylinder's 30-minute window. The strain of the operation meant that Newgass used more and more oxygen and the 30 minutes dwindled rapidly. He later commented: 'Working in an oxygen mask is a bit of a strain'.

Using the first cylinder, Newgass checked the mine and prepared his plan to defuse the device. Using the second cylinder, he carried his tools and a ladder to the mine. On the third sortie he placed sandbags around the nose of the mine, and tied the top of the mine to the iron roof support.

On 30 November 1940, using the fourth cylinder, Newgass began the difficult defusing operation. Turning the mine to reveal the fuse he then removed it and the unit primer and detonator. Almost exhausted Newgass returned for the fifth cylinder and now turned the mine further to undo clock-keep ring. With his final cylinder he was again to extract the clock, rendering the mine inert.

Garston employers now removed the mine by removing it with block and tackle. It was put on a lorry for disposal. Had the mine be detonated, the whole of Garston Works, and much of the surrounding properties would have been completely destroyed in the blast.

Newgass, was awarded the George Cross on 4 March 1941 for ‘great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty’.