Description
Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal, William Anderson, Dundee Railway Porter, during 1888 risked his life to jump into the River Tay to save a child, even though he could not swim.
The Dundee Courier reports on 22nd October 1888:
“NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING –
On Saturday, half past twelve o’clock, a little girl named Jessie Adams, residing in Wellington Street, was playing on the steps leading to the water, near the open air bathing ground, on the Esplanade, when she slipped and fell into the water.
The tide carried her out, and she would inevitably have lost her life, but the cries of some other children who had witnessed the occurrence brought WILLIAM ANDERSON, an employee in the the goods shed of the North British Railway Company, on the scene.
Without a moments hesitation, Anderson plunged into the River and rescued the child, who was carried to the countinghouse of the railway goods department, where she was kindly attended to by the clerks, pending the arrival of her mother.”
Officially engraved: “WILLIAM ANDERSON 20th OCTOBER 1888”
In fitted case of issue, with top pin brooch.
Also an original photograph attributed to him wearing the medal on his right breast, and some WW1 medals on his left.
One slight bruise about 6 o’clock otherwise unworn excellent condition.
With copy extracts from the Society.
Case Number 24192, Rescuer: William Anderson, Railway Porter, 34 Ure Street, Dundee.
Rescued: Jessie Adam, Wellington Street Dundee.
Date: Noon, 20th October 1888, Esplanade, Dundee.
Particulars: “The Child fell from the steps of the esplanade into the River Tay, 15 feet deep, 30 yards from shore.”
Exertions of the rescuer: “Anderson jumped in with all his clothes on and although he cannot swim, succeeded in saving the child.”
