| Citation: | Citation: At about 1am on 27th June 1970, Corporal Baseley was in charge of an unarmed patrol in the Creggan area of Londonderry, adjoining the Bogside where there was serious rioting at that time. He came upon a crowd surrounding a house on fire. Nobody was attempting to enter, but hearing that here were people inside Corporal Baseley doused himself with water and tried to go in by the front door. When flames and smoke beat him back, he tried again to enter by a bedroom window, using a ladder. An explosion in the house threw him to the ground.By this time his clothes were virtually destroyed and he was in a state of shock. Nevertheless he made a third attempt, using a wet blanket for protection and was in the house when firemen arrived, hosed him down and took him outside. He remained at the house until the fire was put out and then helped firemen in their search, finding the remains of four people.Although in vain, his courageous conduct was an example of impartial and selfless humanity. It was all the more praiseworthy since the mood of the spectators at the outset could have changed and put the safety of the unarmed patrol in jeopardy. |
