Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 02 February 1952
Commendation For Denaby Man
This Letter is Historic
Only two days before his death, King George approved the award of a King’s commendation for brave conduct to a 25-year-old Denaby fitter’s mate, Mr. James Edward Downing. Since then, letters of congratulation to Mr. Downing have been coming in.
The award is made for Mr. Downing’s act of rescuing Corrin Carlin (7) of Pitt Street, Mexborough from drowning.
Mr. Downing, who lives at 11, Loversall Street, Denaby, works at the Grey’s Bridge Power Station, Mexborough. On August 20th, 1951, he was working at the top of the power station when he saw Corrin fall into the canal.
He ran down eight or nine flights of stairs, called Mr. Moxon, another 25-year-old fitter’s mate, as he passed, and made a 100 yards canal-side dash to bring the boy to the bank. After he had got Corrin out Mr. Moxon applied artificial respiration.
Mr. Downing has been sent a letter of congratulations from the Minister of Fuel and Power.
On Tuesday, both he and Mr. Moxon, who lives at 8, Hartley Street, Mexborough, were presented with letters of commendation from the chairman of the British Electricity Authority, Lord Citrine. The presentation was made in the Power Station canteen, on Lord Citrine’s behalf, by Mr. G. A. Vowles, Yorkshire Divisional Controller.
Also present were Mr. C. F. Wakland, Divisional secretary, Mr. C. G. Richards, Chief Generation Engineer (O) and Mr. D. McFarland, Group Generation Engineer (O), and the Station Superintendent, Mr. L. T. Giles.
The presentation was made before about 40 or 50 of the day staff. Mrs. Downing and Mrs. Moxon also being present.
To-morrow the Royal Humane Society will present each of them with an award at Doncaster West Riding Magistrates’ Court.