INDENTI.C.I. stated that the Award, instituted in 1929 has been granted 36 times up to 1975

Robert Stead Little, G.C. (1892-1976) served during the 1st. War as a Private in the Lancashire Fusiliers and was subsequently employed with I.C.I. at Blackley, Manchester and for his gallantry was awarded the Edward Medal (Industry), Bronze (London Gazette 5.5.1939) "On 11th January, 1939, a fitter engaged in repairs in a chemical reaction pan at the works of the British Dyestuffs Corporation at Blackley, Manchester, fell into the pan. Little who was in charge of the shift, was called and while rescue apparatus was being brought, he descended into the pan at a great risk to himself and carried his unconscious fellow-worker up the ladder. Unfortunately, however, another man who had started to go down the manhole collapsed on top of Little and the rescued man, knocking them both to the bottom where all three remained unconscious. The rescue party then arrived and brought them to the surface. Two of them were dead but Little recovered."

Robert Little also received the Bronze Medallion of the Carnegie Hero Trust Fund and in 1973 his Edward Medal was exchanged for the George Cross which he received from the Queen at Buckingham Palace