St Paul’s Cathedral in London was a famous symbol for the British people, as it stayed standing throughout the terrible bombing of the Blitz.

When a 20-foot bomb crashed into Dean’s Yard at the Cathedral, it made a huge crater – but did not explode. It was very dangerous.

George fought his way through fire to reach the bomb before it could explode and destroy the Cathedral. He worked for three days to defuse it, so it could be moved far away and blown up without killing anyone.

As a reward for his bravery, King George VI awarded George Wyllie the George Cross, in the very first week that the King actually created this new honour.

When George returned to Hurlford after the war, he was very modest about his heroic adventure. He did not talk about it much. Most people did not even know about his medal, until he sold it in 1984.

The famous medal was bought by a London bank and presented to St Paul’s Cathedral for display.

George Wyllie, a Hurlford hero, died in 1987, at the age of 77.