Each month we visit the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Archives to share the heroic stories of some of the previous recipients of our awards.
30th August 1897
General Rescue
A Silver Medal and Vote of Thanks was awarded to Mr. William Paterson, Station Master at Marsh Lane, for courage and presence of mind displayed in assisting a woman on the tracks who was contemplating ending her life. With two trains imminently due, Mr Paterson put his own life at risk to reach the woman and get her to a place of safety.
13th August 1917
Fire Rescue
Silver Medals and Certificate of Thanks were awarded to Tram Inspectors Godfrey Lazell and John Neilson for bravely rescuing a woman and three children from a shop on fire in Eastbourne Street, Liverpool (pic https://losttribeofeverton.com/street/eastbourne-street/)
5th August 1924
Marine Rescue
A Silver medal and Certificate of Thanks were awarded to Fireman W. McCarthy from the SS Junin, for the rescue of a deck-boy who had fallen overboard at Autofagasta, and who was in peril of drowning, on the 5th August 1924. The boy, being unable to swim, was on a painting stage under the ship’s counter, and accidentally fell into the water. McCarthy, hearing that a boy had fallen overboard and was sinking, dived after him and held him until picked up by a passing motor boat.
3rd August 2008
General Rescue
A Bronze General Medal and Certificate of Thanks were awarded to Constable Paul Simm of Merseyside Police, for rescuing a man intending to jump from a ledge 50 feet up a crane in Garston Docks.
24th August 2008
Marine Rescue
A Silver Marine Medal and Parchment was awarded to Michael Hammond, for his attempt to rescue a man and woman from being swept away and drowned, in Blackpool. On the evening of 24th August, without regard for his own safety, Michael jumped into a very rough sea with high powerful waves when he saw two people in trouble in the water.
8th August 2009
Fire Rescue
A Parchment was awarded to Firefighter James Lacey of Merseyside Fire and Rescue, for having, at great risk to himself, gone beyond the limits of a fully extended ladder to rescue a man trapped on the fourth floor of a burning and smoke-filled building at the Balti Restaurant, Stanley Street, Liverpool.
If you’ve got details of an historical award that you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you. Email us: secretary@liverpoolshipwreckandhumanesoc.org
