Casgliadau Arlein

Miniature Welsh flag donated with a collection of photographs and a scrapbook associated with John Llewellyn Davies. The flag is made of paper glued to a wooden stick (perhaps for an ice lolly). The design is a variant of the flag of Wales: the dragon's tongue is blue and it holds a blue chain in its front claw.

Davies was an Auxiliary Fireman during the London Blitz. He rescued a family from their house during an air raid on Chingford, Essex, on 30th September/1st October 1940. He received the George Medal for his heroism and the Defence Medal for his service (90.21H/1-2).

Davies, originally from Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, was off duty when he rescued the family using his bare hands to tunnel through the wreckage of their house. He then used his body to lever up and support the wreckage, while another fireman pulled out the family. His exertions that night are thought to have contributed to his early death, 10 years later, at the age of 50.