Sheffield Independent – Wednesday 03 November 1937

Rewarded

Three Wath-on-Dearne men last night received parchment of the Royal Humane Society for a rescue they undertook jointly in August.

The presentation was made by Mr JA Bracey, chairman of the Wath Council, to Joseph Caddick, York St, West Melton; Gerald Dale, miner, Oaklands Road, Wath; and Frank Wharton, colliery surface worker, Winter Well Rd, West Melton

Inspector Marshall, of the West riding Constabulary, attends a Council meeting to explain the fact of the rescue

Long Struggle

A youth named George Biram, he said, fell into the Dearne and Dove canal, and was quickly in difficulties. He was in danger of drowning when Caddick saw his plight, and without hesitation dived into the canal.

Caddick was not a very strong swimmer and his prolonged efforts to get Biram exhausted him. Eventually, the rescuer had to clamber out exhausted, and himself had to receive first day.

The other two men. Dale and Wharton then jumped into the water and brought Biram out. They also applied artificial respiration and the boy was brought round

Gallant Action

The Inspector said that had not been for the prompt and gallant action of the three men, the boy would not have been living now. He congratulated them on their plucky conduct. Mr. Braithwaite also complimented them on their heroism and pointed out all three had learned to swim at the local swimming baths.

Dale, replying, said he was thankful that he had learned life-saving and artificial respiration at the baths. Mr Braithwaite expressed thanks to the police for sending forward the case to the proper authority.