Mexborough and Swinton Times May 18, 1918

A Cool Linesman.

Spr. George Garbutt (R.E. Signals), son of Mr. Thomas Garbutt, 70, Avenue-rd., Wath-upon-Dearne, has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in action in France on March 24.

According to the official account the award is

“For conspicuous bravery, and devotion to duty between–when all telephonic communication between the advanced brigade, and the battalion headquarters was broken by intense enemy shell-fire; and it seemed impossible to re-establish communication. Spr. Garbett succeeded- in laying a new wire across an open plain that was being heavily shelled by the enemy. He continually repaired the wire, and kept up good communication. His good work and devotion to duty set a splendid example to his fellow linesmen.”

Spr. Garbett has already received the ribbon of the Medal at the hands of the divisional commander, who presented it in the presence of the brigade.

On April 24, 1917, Spr. Garbett distinguished himself in a similar way, and was honourably mentioned. One of his companions on that occasion was the late Cpl Victor Robinson, of Schofield street, Mexboro’, who was awarded the Military Medal posthumously. Spr. Garbett has been serving almost throughout the war, and has been in France about two years.

Before enlistment he worked at the Manvers Main Colliery.