Feb 17th 1849
Gallantry rewarded
The RNI has voted to Capt GRAVES of the Royal Victoria Steamer plying between this port and Carlisle a silver medal and gratuity to the seamen employed for their skill, gallantry and humanity in rescuing the crew of the wreck of the BANFF in the Solway Firth on 26th October last. Capt GRAVES has received a medal from the Shipwreck Society of this town.
March 10th
Reward for heroic conduct
A valuable snuff box has been presented to Mr Charles GRANBY, master of the schooner NAIS of this port by the principal inhabitants of Ramsgate for his noble exertions in saving the crew and passengers of the American ship BURGUNDY recently wrecked on that coast. A document embodying the resolution agreed at a meeting of the magistrates and inhabitants of Ramsgate, John Ashley WARRE Esq, high sheriff of Kent in the chair, was presented with the snuff box.
The BURGUNDY was wrecked on the Long Sand on the 13th February and Charles GRANBY rescued the 160 passengers and 6 crew, with the sea that prevailed the rescue was one of considerable difficulty and danger, the vessel only approachable at certain times of the tide, the NAIS remained beside the BURGUNDY for 16hrs and looked after the victims till Wednesday last, when they were safely landed at Ramsgate. In addition Capt GRANBY has received £10 and a silver medal from the RNI and £8 from the Lords of the treasury for distribution amongst his crew.
June 2nd
Reward for Bravery
The committee of the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society have voted the silver medal to Mr R. B. WADE the mate of the RICHARD ALSOPP who a few days ago plunged into the Stanley Dock and rescued the carpenter of the ship SEA, who had fallen in from the vessel. The poor fellow subsequently died from the effects of a blow recieved from the fall.
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Liverpool Mercury, May 7th 1850
Liverpool shipwreck and Humane Society
A special meeting of the society was held on Saturday to consider the case of the Captain and crew of the INFANTA, who so nobly rescued 169 persons from the wreck of the CUSHLA MACHREE. Capt PURDY appeared before the committee at their request accompanied by the Captain of the CUSHLA MACHREE, and from their united testimony it appeared that Captain PURDY had acted in a most meritorious and judicious manner. The committee voted him therefore a silver medal of the 1st class and £30, also £5 to the mate and £3 to the boatswain, the officers in command of the INFANTA'S boats, and £12 to be distributed to the rest of the crew. The committee regret to confirm the unfeeling conduct of three vessels who passed the CUSHLA MACHREE whilst in her helpless condition, without offering rescue, one of these was the brig JESSIE of Liverpool.
Liverpool Mercury Nov 19th 1850
Mr W. PARRY of No 4 Pilot Boat, with whose intrepid conduct during the loss of the ship PROVIDENCE, the public are familiar, has received the following substantial marks of approbation, £5 from the Humane Society, £15 from the underwriters, and £10 from the Pilot's Committee. We understand some other more substantial mark of honour is yet awaiting him.
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Liverpool Mercury, Oct 19th 1852
Reward to a Police Officer
One day last week officer 97 CAMPBELL of the North Dock division, apprehended a notorious thief and on conveying him to the bride well was savagely assaulted by the prisoner who for the moment escaped, he was however speedily recaptured by the officer, after a sharp run. When the case came before the magistrates and the details of the escape and recapture were given, they were so pleased that a letter was directed to be written to the Watch Committee in terms of high commendation of the meritorious conduct of the officer. The Watch Committee rewarded him with £2 for his conduct and for compensation for the wounds he had received in the execution of his duty. The announcement to this effect was read to the whole force at the different parades, it gave great satisfaction, not more for it being a just recognition of services, faithfully and energetically rendered, that as a reward to an old and much respected officer. Upon the order being read one of his chums involuntary exclaimed, "sarved him right."
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Liverpool Mercury May 31st, 1869
Rewards for gallantry
The committee of the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society awarded the following sums for saving life at their monthly meeting on Saturday last:- £3 to John DIXON, seaman, ferry steamer, Wild Rose, for jumping into the river with a lifebuoy and saving a man named William DAVIS who had fallen overboard from the said steamer whilst under the influence of drink.
10s and 5s for his sou'wester, to John REDMAN, shipkeeper, for throwing a buoy to a man who had fallen into the Huskisson Dock, and then going down a rope fender and placing a rope around his waist, and with the help of a flatman getting him out.
20s to John MARSH, labourer, for jumping into the Huskisson Branch Dock and saving a man who had fallen in attempting to get on board the steamship Etna.
10s to Lewis WILSON, coalheaver, who jumped into the canal and saving a boy who had fallen in while playing on the bank
10s to William JOHNSON, labourer for plunging into the canal and saving a boy who had fallen in and taking him home.
5s to Robert BOWER, boatman, 2s-6d each to two hands for hauling a man into a boat who had fallen into the Huskisson Dock between the steamship Antwerp and quay.
10s to William SHARPE, Landing-stage constable, for going down a ladder and making a rope fast to a man who had fallen from the George's stage, by which means he got out.
10s to the captain and 20s to the crew of the steamship Flying Childers, for saving one of two men who had been thrown into the water through their boat capsizing.
20s to Thomas WALKER, seaman, for jumping into the river and saving a man who had accidentally fallen over the chains at the George's Landing-stage.
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Liverpool Journal, Jan 20th 1877
Rewards for gallantry
On the 21st Dec last the steamship MALTA while homeward bound fell in with the steamship DHOOLIA, in the Bay of Biscay in a sinking state. 3 boats from the DHOOLIA brought a portion of the crew on board the MALTA, all who refused to go back and rescue their shipmates due to the heavy seas running. Mr George REES, 3rd Officer of the MALTA, with 5 volunteers went in the DHOOLIA'S boat and rescued all but the Master and one of the crew. In all 43 crew were saved.
For this gallant service the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society awarded silver medals to, Capt Thomas DURRANT, and Mr REES, 3rd Officer, to George BLACK and William ROBINSON, Quartermasters, each a bronze medal and £3, and to James THOMSON, Frederick MANSELL and David DUNCAN, Seamen, £3 each. George BLACK had his hand crushed during the rescue and on landing was taken to hospital, with regret the poor fellow has since died from the effects of his injury.
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Liverpool Mercury, Feb 24th, 1877
Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society
At the monthly meeting of this society held yesterday the following awards were made :-
Relief to suffers from shipwreck
Clothing to the value of £1 each of three men forming part of a crew of the Ellen Goudy, wrecked on Elizabeth Island in the Pacific. The crew lived for about a fortnight on sea birds and rainwater, when a boats crew drawn by lots, started for Pitcairn Island, 110 miles distant, and after suffering great privation for 6 days were picked up by the ship City of Vienna, which then proceeded to Elizabeth Island and saved the rest of the crew.
£1 each in clothes to 7 of the crew of the Marietta, wrecked on Little Burbo Bank, in the early morning of the 20th inst. The vessel went to pieces and four of the crew drowned.
Rewards for gallantry in saving life.
In recognition of the arduous services of the lifeboat men during the unusually stormy weather of last month, and for their gallantry in saving life the following awards were made :- Silver bars to the medals of James MARTIN, master of the Liverpool lifeboat and Richard THOMAS, master of the New Brighton lifeboat, and £1 to each of the lifeboat men.
A silver medal and £1 to William CORFIELD, one of the crew of the Liverpool lifeboat, for his great gallantry in rescuing the captain of the Marietta, at great risk to his own life on the morning of the 20th inst. The vessel was fast breaking up and it was a work of great danger to board her in the heavy sea, and in the midst of the floating timber which encumbered the wreck.
To James HARRISON, master of the tug Challenger, a silver medal and £5, and to the crew £10 for their great courage and gallantry in rescuing the crew of the steamship Alexandria, on the 29th ultimo. While the vessel was sinking, HARRISON three times dashed alongside the wreck, and at great risk to the tug succeeded in saving the greater part of the crew. The tug narrowly escaped being drawn down by the wreck as she foundered, while making a desperate but unsuccessful effort to save the last man that remained on board. Afterwards the tug succeeded in picking up two men who had drifted away in one of the steamer's boats.
A silver bar to his medal and £2 to Daniel ROGERS a boatman for having jumped into the Herculaneum Basin, on the 14th inst, and at great risk of being crushed between a vessel and the dock wall, the dock gates being open and a considerable swell running in, rescued a man who had fallen overboard.
£1 to James LLOYD, fireman for having jumped into the Huskisson Branch Dock, a depth of 17ft and rescued a man who had fallen out of a boat on the 9th inst.
10s each to Alfred LAWSON and Patrick STANNARD, labourers for having gone into the Huskisson Dock and with ropes, rescued a man who had fallen in while drunk on the 15th ultimo.
10s to George E. CROSBY, mate for having gone down a rope into the Stanley Dock Basin on the 13th inst and rescued a drunken man.
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Liverpool Mercury, May 18th 1887
The Albert Medal given to a Liverpool Sailor
The Queen has been pleased to confer the decoration of the Albert Medal of the second class upon Thomas Averett WHISTLER, 1st mate of the ship Ennerdale of Liverpool. The following is an account of the service in respect of which the decoration has been conferred :-
On the 17th December last soon after 5.30am as the Ennerdale was rounding Cape Horn, an apprentice, named Duncan M'CALLUM, fell from aloft into the sea, striking the rigging in his fall. Immediately H. S. POCHIN, an A.B, leaped overboard after M'CALLUM, but the latter sank before POCHIN could reach him. POCHIN afraid of being seized with cramp before a boat could come to him hailed the ship, asking for a lifebuoy to be thrown to him, and at the same moment the master called all hands to man a boat. The 1st mate Thomas A. WHISTLER aged 24, who had been asleep in his berth, ran on deck and heard POCHIN'S hail. Calling to the boatswain to heave him a lifebuoy, he at once sprang overboard, secured the lifebuoy which was thrown to him, and succeeded in reaching POCHIN. The latter was already on the point of sinking, but with the help of the lifebuoy WHISTER was able to keep him up. The water was extremely cold, and a huge albatross hovered around the two men, preparing to attack them. Meanwhile, considerable delay had occurred in the despatch of the boat. Her lashings had been secured extra firmly for the passage round Cape Horn, and when at last launched, so many men crowded into her that she capsized. When righted and relaunched she finally succeeded in reaching and rescuing both POCHIN and WHISTLER, who were now extremely exhausted, after an exposure of some 40 minutes in the water. The albatross had to be driven off with a boat hook. Directly they were lifted into the boat both men became insensible, and WHISTLER was delirious for some time after.
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Liverpool Mercury, Dec 2nd, 1892
Presentations to Police Constables
A large number of shopkeepers and residents in the neighbourhood of Park Rd, assembled last evening in the parade yard of Essex St, Bridewell, to witness presentations to Police-constable John COATES, who after 36 yrs service has retired and to Police-constable James HOBAN who has also been connected with the force for about 30yrs and has now retired. The presentations were made by Superintendent CRETNEY on behalf of the police and residents, and Mrs CRETNEY, and in the course of his remarks he congratulated the officers upon the way in which they had performed their duties whilst connected with the force. To Police-constable COATES were given two purses of money, a silver-mounted pipe, walking stick, and other articles, and to Police-constable HOBAN a silver lever watch. It was mentioned that Police-constable COATES had been on one beat in Park Rd for upwards of 30yrs, and had during that time won the confidence of the residents, and that Police-constable HOBAN for the most part of his time had been on duty in the neighbourhood of the Custom House and Park Lane, and had performed his duties faithfully. The gifts were suitably acknowledged by the recipients.
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Liverpool Mercury, July 30th, 1895
Remarkable rescue at Litherland
On Sunday evening a youth named Albert TOWELL, of 21 Cooper St, Bootle, went to bathe in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Litherland. He could not swim and getting out of his depth sank in 6ft of water. Some boatmen endeavoured to get him out with boat hooks but failed. When the youth had been under water some minutes a painter named Thomas HINCKS, of 32 Inman St, Litherland, came along the bank and being informed of what had happened threw off his coat and jumped into the water, and succeeded in a few moments to bring the boy to the bank. The boatmen, who had previously attempted to rescue TOWELL, adopted the clumsy method of holding him up with his head downwards to restore consciousness. Luckily a more scientific person came along in the person of PC, FLETCHER, who, by adopting the prescribed method for securing artificial respiration had the good fortune to restore animation. Dr BURGESS subsequently arrived, and rendered further assistance. The youth was taken home in a cab and remained unconscious for 6 hours, but has now recovered. The parents of the rescued youth are full of gratitude to both the PC and HINCKS. No doubt this is a case which will be brought under the notice of the Humane Society.
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Liverpool Mercury, July 28th, 1899
Bootle Fire Brigade and Ambulance work
Superintendent ROBERTS of the Bootle Fire Brigade , at a recent meeting of the of the Bootle Corporation Fire Brigade Committee, submitted a report in reference to a case of immersion at the docks and recommended Fireman E. JONES and TINDELL to the favourable notice of the committee for the successful manner in which they had rendered first aid.
Letter from Dr BAILEY, House-surgeon, Bootle Hospital :-
"I wish to inform you of the very meritorious treatment given by your ambulance men in connection with the immersion case brought in about 10pm on Saturday. It is especially pleasing to find they take so much interest in their work, and in this case they certainly saved the man's life by their correct and energetic treatment of his condition. I have much pleasure in praising them in this case, although I have always found them to do what was correct in every case they brought here"
The committee decided to reward the men for their meritorious services
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Feb 27th 1906
Policeman's brave deed
Children rescued from fire
Yesterday afternoon a fire broke out over a plumber's and painter's shop in St James Place, Liverpool, in rooms occupied by John M'GRATH and his wife and two children. The parents were away at work and the children in their play had pushed the table against the room door, and then by some means the room caught fire.
Police-constable PREECE, seeing the smoke, which rapidly drew a crowd around the place, ran to the house and knowing the children were within dashed upstairs. Though almost suffocated by the smoke he managed to smash in the barricaded door, and after groping around found one child with its clothes already ablaze. He carried the little one out into the street and immediately raced back in to the rooms, which were now ablaze. After a rapid search he found the second child under the sofa. This child was removed by him out of danger, amid cheers from the onlookers. The fire brigade extinguished the fire.
April 24th, 1906
Brave rescue by a policeman
A brave rescue was effected yesterday by Police-constable Francis HENRY. A man fell or jumped into the Mersey from the sea wall, a depth of 50ft, HENRY stopped only to remove his helmet then plunged into the water. The tide was running very strong, but with difficulty he reached the drowning man and brought him safely to land. HENRY was taken from the river very exhausted and almost unconscious and had to be taken to hospital.
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Liverpool Mercury Feb 8th 1908
Snippets
Grace DARLING'S medal
A silver medal awarded to heroic Grace DARLING is to come to the hammer at Messers PUTTICK and SIMPSON'S rooms in Leicester Square on Friday next.
It bears the following inscription:-
Presented by the directors of the Glasgow Humane Society to Miss Grace DARLING in admiration of her dauntless and heroic conduct in saving [along with her father] the lives of nine persons from the wreck of the Forfarshire steamer on September 7th 1838.
The obverse bears the badge of the city of Glasgow, a tree, a fish and a bell.
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June 18th 1909
The King has been pleased on the recommendation of the Board of Trade to award medals for gallantry in saving life.
A Silver medal is awarded to Kate GILMOUR, Stewardess of the British steamship SARDINIA of Liverpool in recognition of her service to the passengers of that vessel when it caught fire and stranded off Malta, Nov 25th 1908.
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Feb 17th, 1910, Royal Humane Society, at the 136th annual meeting held in London on Tuesday. Testimonial to Thomas WEBB, assistant marine superintendent, Houston line of steamers, Liverpool, for his gallantry in plunging into the Alexandra Dock, Bootle on Jan 22nd, and rescuing a man who had accidentally fallen in from the quay
April 16th 1910, Royal Humane Society awards yesterday, Bronze medal to Henry J. DAVIS chief officer of the Syrian Prince, of Liverpool for plunging into a shark infested sea two miles from land off the Barbary coast on Jan 11th and rescuing a seaman.
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Feb 14th 1912, Royal Humane Society awards yesterday, Bronze medal to Robert ANGUS, 3rd officer, W. GARRIOCK, 5th officer and W. GORMAN, AB, of the S.S Empress of Ireland for their gallant attempt to save a man who had fell overboard at the Prince's Landing-stage, Liverpool on Dec 29th, all three plunged in but the man sank before he could be reached.
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June 27th, 1912, Heroism in the Titanic disaster, memorial to the engine-room staff. Presentation to Captain ROSTRON Lord Derby, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, yesterday presented Captain ROSTRON of the Cunard liner Carpathia, with the gold medal and framed diploma of the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society in recognition of his "praiseworthy and humane service in rescuing 705 survivors of the Titanic on April 15th" The presentation was made in the Liverpool Town Hall at a large gathering of representatives of the professional maritime and commercial interests of the city and port. Lord Derby also yesterday presided over a representative meeting of citizens at which a movement for a permanent memorial to the heroism of the engine-room staff of the Titanic, was set on foot.
In making the presentation to Captain ROSTRON, Lord Derby said Captain ROSTRON would value the gifts as evidence of the gratitude felt, not only by Liverpool but by all parts of the Empire, for the great services he was able to render at the time of the terrible disaster. One was glad to think that in all walks of life, whether in peace or war, the bravery of the Englishman was still to the front. [Hear, hear.] In war there was always the Victoria Cross dangling in front of the hero, but in peace often the heroism passed unnoticed. "I may say, Captain ROSTRON, " Lord Derby went on, "that in making the presentation to you we do it to you as captain of the ship, but that our gratitude, as expressed to you, you will take as being expressed to every member of your crew, from yourself downwards. [Applause] We know perfectly well that it was under your direction, but I am sure you would be first to admit that everybody on board did all they could to second you in your work of saving life. I now beg to present you with the medal and resolution, and on behalf of not only the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society but also on behalf of the city of Liverpool to thank you, your officers and ship's crew, for the magnificent work you did at the terrible disaster." [Applause]
Captain ROSTRON said he felt deeply gratified that the Lord Mayor should have mentioned his ship's company. They were really reserving of it, and no captain was ever prouder of his ship's company than he, not only for their conduct on the night but during the whole time. From whence they commenced to get the poor survivors aboard until they arrived at New York, every man worked most loyally, willingly, and cheerfully. [Applause] "It has been my great pleasure and pride" added Captain ROSTRON, "to speak publicly and say how loyally my ship's company assist me" [Applause.
Captain ROSTRON called for three cheers for the Lord Mayor, and these having been given three cheers were also given for him The heroism of the engine-room, At the meeting at which tribute was paid to the heroism of the engine-room staff of the Titanic, Lord Derby said he did not think anyone could read the accounts of that great tragedy without realising the heroism of the engine-room staff of the Titanic. They could but faintly picture what must have been the position of those brave men who, with certain death staring them in the face, were perfectly determined up until the very last to do what they could in the hope that their efforts might be the means, as they undoubtedly were, of saving the lives of others. These brave men had gone, and it was the duty of those who remained to perpetuate their memory so that when the intimate knowledge of their great deed might have passed away successive generations of Liverpool men might see recorded in some permanent place a record of their heroism. He hoped that the appeal would be made not only to Englishmen but to people in every part of the world.
Sir William LEVER said that on the Titanic the highest traditions of British seamanship had been displayed. Referring to labour unrest, Lord Derby said that however despondent some pessimists might be as to the future of the country, and however much they might talk about its decadence, while such deeds as that which they wished to perpetuate took place it showed that their people were composed of just the same material as those who made England great in the past. A nation which had lost its power to perpetuate the honour of brave men had lost its power to produce such men in future generations Mr A. J. MAGINNIS who has been largely responsible for setting the movement on foot announced that though no direct appeal had been made £2,100 had already been subscribed towards the memorial. Mrs ASQUITH had been the first subscriber, even little children had contributed their mite. A letter was read from Lord Mersey wishing the movement every success.
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Aug 16th 1913, Royal Humane Society awards yesterday, silver medal to Allan MURDOCH and bronze medal to John F. BLOWER both of Liverpool, the former for saving and the latter for attempting to save a man who was rendered unconscious by fumes from a grain cargo on a barge in the Harrington Dock on May 12th and a "memoriam" has been given to the relatives of W. BROWN who lost his life in an attempt to save the man.
Bronze medals to Captain P. METCALF assistant surveyor to the Liverpool Dock Board, William MEALOR and J. W. GERRARD for their exertions in saving or attempting to save life when several men were struck down by grain fumer on the ship Ulstermore, in the Crosby Channel, Liverpool on May 13th, when one man lost his life.
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Sept 13th 1915
A brave police Sergeant's deed
A gallant rescue from drowning was effected on the Liverpool Landing-stage yesterday. A huge crowd was watching the disembarkation of the passengers and mails from the American liner St Paul when a man seated on the wall overbalanced and fell into the water 30ft below. The water rushes with great rapidity between the floating stage and the wall in the narrow space. The heavy iron mooring chains and other under-water obstacles make the spot particularly dangerous, but without a moment's hesitation Sergeant LEARMONT of the Liverpool City Police, dived just as he was from the top of the wall, and effected a thrilling rescue amid cheers from the crowd.
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Jan 10th 1916, Rescue by a Manchester Liner, awards to captain and crew.
Captain E. W. BEGGS, Osborne Rd, Pendleton, master of the Manchester Liners steamer Manchester Merchant, has been awarded by the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, their illuminated vote of thanks, and Chief Officer H. BROWN of the same ship has been awarded the Society's silver life-saving medal and a vote of thanks, while the lifeboat crew, consisting of Boatswain C. CARLSON, 550, Fifth St, Trafford Park, Manchester, Lamps H. LUCINGER, 21, Fern St, Pendleton and AB G. FREEMAN, 3 Wilbraham Rd, Fallowfield, N. NELSEN, 69 Monmouth St, J. NAMAN, 51 Trafford Rd and A. LUTRUS, 233 Oldfield Rd, all of Salford have been awarded monetary gifts in recognition of their services in rescuing the crew of ten men of the Brazilian barquentine Storeng from their sinking in the dismasted vessel in the North Atlantic Ocean on the morning of Nov 12th last, about 700 miles west of the Fastnet.
The Manchester Merchant was at the time on a voyage from Montreal for Manchester and Captain BEGGS skilfully manoeuvred his ship into a favourable position to windward of the wreck and sent away a lifeboat in charge of Chief Officer BROWN and manned by six men. Before being rescued the captain of the Storeng had a remarkable escape from death. He was standing on deck when some of the spars came down from aloft on to the deck with a heavy thud on either side of him without striking him. The shipwrecked crew were subsequently landed by the Manchester Merchant at Manchester.
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Mar 17th, 1917, Bravest act at sea, rescues of u-boat victims, For the "bravest act at sea during the past year" the gold medal of the Royal Humane and Shipwreck Society has been awarded to John PAXON, ship's fireman, This announcement was made yesterday at the Liverpool Seamen's Friend Society.
PAXTON was a member of the crew of the Swedish Prince, which was destroyed by a German submarine. When the boats containing the crew had put off from the vessel, PAXTON and three shipmates were left aboard by accident. PAXTON was the only one of the four who could swim. In a high sea, and while shells were still coming over from the German submarine, he succeeded in saving the lives of his comrades, making three separate rescues.
Nov 7th 1917, At the Mercantile Marine Office in Manchester yesterday, Mr H. R. REDISH, the superintendent, presented the Royal Humane Society's bronze medal and certificate to George FISHER of Walton, Liverpool, late 3rd officer of the Manchester Exchange, for a brave attempt to rescue an apprentice from drowning at Philadelphia on June 17th.
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Liverpool August 2nd 1928
O.B.E, Medal for Liverpool Constable, captured armed raider
The Lord Mayor of Liverpool Miss Margaret BEVAN, yesterday presented the medal of the Order of the British Empire to Market Constable William Burnett SMITHWICK of Liverpool, for meritorious service. SMITHWICK chased and captured an armed bank raider, despite the fact that the runaway fired point-blank at him after he had shot three other persons who attempted to stop him. The Chief Constable of Liverpool Mr L. D. L. EVERETT, said SMITHWICK'S courageous act resulted in the capture of the dangerous criminal. "We police" he added, " are merely paid citizens in uniform who are looking after the interests of the community, and I appeal to citizens to help the police whenever their assistance is needed"
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Feb 25th, 1930
Manchester Assizes, judge congratulates a constable
"I congratulate you on the way in which you did your duty, and I commend your performance to the observation of your superior officer" said the Judge to Police-constable SEDDON of the Liverpool City Police Force, at the conclusion of the case in which Frederick Harold ROBERTS, aged 24, labourer , pleaded guilty to shop-breaking and larceny and attempting to do grievous bodily harm to the officer in resisting arrest.
David KARMEL, counsel for the prosecution said that on February 10th, Constable SEDDON saw the accused pass from the roof of premises in Renshaw St to the roof of the German Church next door. He posted civilians at the back and front of the church, took off his over-coat and climbed the roof, the prisoner was crouching behind the bell tower, slightly above the constable and struck him so serious a blow that it caused the constable to fall back on the slates. Prisoner darted to the other side of the roof, again followed by the constable, this time the prisoner dealt him a serious blow to the head with a piece of wood. When finally overpowered the prisoner said, "It was worth a fight I had £17 on me which I had stolen."
Reviewing the prisoners record submitted by Police Inspector THOMPSON, the Judge said the prisoner had, had, leniency extended towards him in the past, and the time was approaching when he must be put away as an habitual criminal. The prisoner apologised and pleaded for leniency as he had been a failure, but needed a chance on the ground that he had become engaged, and that not only he would be affected.
"Fortunately" said the Judge, addressing him, "You were met by a man quite as brave as yourself, and you are a brave man, you were met by a man as strong as yourself, and you are a strong man, and you were met by a better man that yourself who brought you here for punishment. If you were indicted as being an habitual criminal I should have sent you for a very long term and kept you away from society, because I am inclined to think you are a great danger to it. Stand down for a day or two while I consider what to do with you."
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Jan 7th 1932
Brave Cheshire constable
In attempting to rescue a man from drowning in a canal lock at Chester, at Chester City Police Court yesterday, Police-constable Harry ORFORD of the Chester City Police was presented by the Deputy Mayor Alderman John MORRIS, with the medal and certificate of the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, a grant of £5, a special merit badge from the Chester Watch Committee and £5 from the relatives of the man he tried to rescue
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Daily Post, Oct 5th 1939
Bravery award to cadet of the BOSNIA
The loss of the Cunard White Star freighter BOSNIA, which was sunk by a submarine on Sept 5th, had a sequel yesterday when the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society awarded a silver medal and certificate to Cadet Denis G. BIRD. Midshipman R.N.R a crew member, for his "gallant attempts" to save the life of a fireman when the ship was destroyed.
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