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To Follow.

Doctor

Arthur Douglas Merriman.

Part Time Experimental Officer

Directorate of Scientific Supply Research,

Ministry of Supply, (Bomb Disposal)

Royal Engineers from 1942.

 

George Cross, Order of the British Empire.

25th November 1892 to 4th November 1972.

 

Placed in the London Gazette on the 3rd December 1940.

A brief explenation is neccesary  to explain Dr A.D. Merrimans inclusion under Royal Engineer Bomb Disposal, George Cross awards.

Dr Merriman recieved an emergency general list commision in December 1940. He was sent to the the C in C Middle East as Assistant Director Bomb Disposal. In 1942 he was transferred to the Royal Engineers. Late 1942 he was a Major, (Temporary Lt Colonel)

Dr Merriman was awrded the George Cross for;

As an Experimental Officer, for the Directorate of Scientific Research, who tackled some of the first bombs to fall on Britain early in the summer of 1941. Supposedly Merriman was only part time in his position, with predominantly Office duties, he in fact on many occasions dealt with dangerous bombs at the request of the War Office and Air Ministry, in these roles he was a volunteer.

As Director General of Scientific Research, he on the 11th September 1940 dealt with a bomb, which had fallen in Regent Street, London.

The bomb was heard to be ticking as they started work, they all were aware that this meant the bomb was on its countdown to explode. The decision was made to remove as much of the explosive filling as possible before that happened. This would reduce the damage and make the bomb relatively harmless. Thet worked till the last moment, the timing was perfect, at the last moment they got away and the only damage was some broken windows.

Doctor A.D. Merriman's citation reads; The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the George Cross, for conspicuous gallantry in connection with Bomb Disposal.