Six rescues are featured in ‘From the Archive’ for May, including the recipient of a silver marine medal for the rescue of two children from the canal at Litherland in May 1916. The same brave rescuer had previously rescued eight others and also held the Royal Humane Society’s Vellum Certificate for saving life.

May 1902
Fire Rescue
Members of Bootle Fire Brigade were given awards for rescuing a man from the upper story of a house on fire in Howe Street on 3rd May 1902. Deputy-Superintendent James Frederick Collins received a Silver Fire medal and Vote of Thanks, whilst foreman, John Cole received a Silver clasp and Vote of Thanks.

May 1913
General Rescue
A Silver medal and Certificate of Thanks were awarded each to Allen Murdock and John Blower for bravely rescuing two men (one since deceased) asphyxiated by the fumes arising from grain in the hold of the flat Arctic, lying in the Harrington Dock on 12th May 1913. Special merit is due to Murdock for his gallant conduct, as he twice entered the hold of the flat to accomplish his purpose of rescue.

May 1916
Marine Rescue
Thomas Knowles was awarded a Silver medal and Certificate of Thanks for rescuing a child from the canal at Litherland on 5th May 1916, and also another child on 22nd May 1916. Knowles altogether effected ten rescues from the canal and received several awards from the Society. He also holds the Royal Humane Society’s Vellum Certificate for saving life.

May 2016
Marine Rescue
Bronze Marine Medals and Certificate of Thanks, were awarded to John Dickinson and Thomas Marum, for having, entered the River Mersey at high tide to rescue an unconscious male who had jumped into the water at Otterspool Promenade on 5th May 2016. Without their prompt actions the male may well have died.

May 2019
General Rescue
Constable John Cropper of Lancashire Constabulary, received a Certificate for his actions in effecting the rescue of a suicidal young girl from a road bridge over the M55 Motorway at junction 4, on 13th May 2019. Alone, he managed to pull the young girl to safety as she was about to step off the bridge.

May 2018
Fire Rescue
Bronze Fire Medal and Parchment were awarded to 79 year old Barbara Northover, for attempting to assist a suicidal male who, in his car on 22nd May 2018, had set himself alight at Promenade Gardens, Liverpool. During her actions, going well beyond what would normally be expected from a member of the public, she was herself set alight, knocked to the ground and injured, also suffering burns to her body, hands and legs. Bronze Fire Medals and Certificates were given to Martyn Brown, who, with Ryan Thomas, tackled the suicidal male in the incident and used their clothing to extinguish the flames on the male. They then rendered first aid to the injured male and female rescuer who had been injured in her attempt to assist.

If you have details of a historical award that you would like to share, we’d love to hear from you. Email us: secretary@liverpoolshipwreckandhumanesoc.org