He died from smoke inhalation while assisting passengers to escape from the fire and was posthumously awarded the Chief Officer's Commendation and the George Medal for his bravery.

[3] Crews found Townsley beside the badly burned body of a passenger at the steps leading up to the Pancras Road entrance of the station.

[6][7] In the official inquiry into the fire, Sir Desmond Fennell said all the evidence suggested "Station Officer Townsley was overcome by smoke and fumes while trying to help the burned passenger…a heroic act.

[10] His citation for the George Medal notes that "He displayed selfless devotion to duty and gallantry of a high order when faced with conditions of extreme danger".

It goes on to say that with a "total disregard for his own safety", and even without breathing equipment, Townsley remained within the booking hall area "to assist as best he could those seeking to escape until he was overcome by toxic fumes".