Mexborough and Swinton Times June 7, 1947

Bravery at Kilnhurst
Mexborough and Swinton Men Get Humane Society Awards

the Royal Humane Society have announced this week that parchments have been awarded in recognition of the bravery of a 49-year-old Mexborough tub repair, and an 18 years old Swinton youth for their part in the rescue of a six years old Kilnhurst schoolboy from the ice covered pond near Mrs John Baker and Bessemer’s Kilnhurst works on March 6.

Both Went Under

The Mexborough man, Mr Harvey Taylor, who is a non-swimmer, told the “South Yorkshire Times reported on Monday that he was cycling home from work on March 6, and as he approached the pond he saw William Lockwood, of 27 Thorn Rd, Kilnhurst suddenly go through the ice on the pond.

“I put on speed and called to a young man who was passing to come and help,” he said. “I saw the boy go under ones, and thought I might be able to ‘bottom’ the pond because I cannot swim, so I jumped in and held the lad. We both went under, but by this time the other man had arrived and helped me to get the boy out.”

Leonard Johnson, of 2 White Lee Rd, Swinton, was a young man who played such a vital part of the rescue, but his mother said on Monday that he did not like a lot of fuss, and did not even like having his photograph taken.