Award Ellen Lee the George Cross for her bravery in saving lives from the air raid of 3rd May 1941 at the Wilkinson Lemonade Factory North Shields

Mrs Lee was the ARP warden in charge of Wilkinson’s Shelter. It was her job to open the shelter when the sirens sounded, keep it tidy and count people coming in and out. On the night of 3rd/4th May 1941,75 years ago, of Ellen Lee saved over thirty lives when a single bomb directly hit the Wilkinson Lemonade Factory North Shields which then collapsed onto the air raid shelter below killing 109 people including 43 children It was the single biggest loss of life from a single bomb in the country outside of London. When the bomb hit, everything went dark and then the screams and shouts started. Ellen Lee who was in one of the rooms, called for everyone to keep quiet. With her torch on she shouted: “See me light, I’ll get you out”.. Even though she was injured herself she broke down a wall of rubble with her own body weight to ensure that people including children could escape to safety. Two men who aided the survivors that night were awarded the George cross and another man was awarded the British empire medal but Ellen Lee received no award. No reason was given was this because she was a women and we don't recognize women's bravery as much as men's through history. I believe it is important that we recognise Ellen's bravery and award her family posthumously for her selfless act of courage in saving those lives 75 years ago.