A Denaby Main Incident

Presentation to Brave Policemen

Previous to the commencement of business at the Doncaster West Riding Police Court, on Saturday, Mr. G. B. C. Yarborough, the presiding magistrate, presented the vellum certificate of the Royal Humane Society to Police-constables Fletcher and King, who were on special duty at Denaby Main, for saving the life of a child.

The facts of the case are that on Saturday, the 8th February, about 1.20 p.m., a child aged five years, named Willie Turner, fell into the canal at Mexborough, near the Don Bridge. There were two other boys on the towing path, and they gave an alarm.

Police-constable (529) Fletcher, and Police-constable (210) King, of the West Riding Constabulary, who are now on special duty at Conisbrough, were patrolling the road about 200 yards from where the boy fell in. They ran to the place, and Police-constable Fletcher threw off his coat and helmet, and dived for the boy, who had then sunk in the middle of the canal. He succeeded in bringing him to the side, and King pulled the lad on to the bank and assisted Fletcher out. The boy was then unconscious, but the two constables succeeded in bringing him round in about a quarter of an hour. They took him to his home, and sent for Dr. Hewer, who certified that the child’s life was saved by Police-constable Fletcher, who wears the badge of the St. John Ambulance Association, and is acquainted with the treatment of the apparently drowned. Supt. Blake reported the facts to the Chief Constable, who has awarded Police-constable Fletcher the merit badge. He also reported to the Humane Society in London, who granted the vellum certificate to both constables.

Mr. Yarborough, in making the presentation, congratulated the two constables on their conduct, and described P.C. Fletcher’s conduct as doubly meritorious.