Max Blaney

Michael Floud Blaney
Nickname(s) Max
Born (1910-11-14)14 November 1910
Newry, Ireland
Died 13 December 1940(1940-12-13) (aged 30)
Manor Park, Essex, England
Buried at Newry Old Chapel Roman Catholic Cemetery, Newry
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  British Army
Years of service 19391940
Rank Acting Captain
Service number 119978
Unit Corps of Royal Engineers
Battles/wars World War II Bomb disposal
* The Blitz  
Awards George Cross

Acting Captain Michael Floud Blaney GC (14 November 1910 13 December 1940), known as Max Blaney,[1] was posthumously awarded the George Cross for defusing enemy bombs during the Blitz in 1940.[2]

World War II

Blaney, a member of the Corps of Royal Engineers, dismantled several bombs on 18 September, 20 October and 13 December 1940. During the last incident he was killed, aged 30, when the bomb he was defusing exploded in Manor Park, Essex.[3]

George Cross citation

Notice of Blaney's George Cross appeared in the London Gazette on 15 April 1941:[4]

The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Cross, for most conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner.
London Gazette

In December 2013 an Ulster History Circle blue plaque was unveiled in his memory in Newry.

Footnotes

  1. Michael Ashcroft, George Cross Heroes, 2010
  2. {http://www.ww2awards.com/person/314 World War II Awards Michael Floud Blaney
  3. Find A Grave
  4. London Gazette 15 April 1941

Further reading

External links

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