Mexborough and Swinton Times May 13, 1938

Conanby Man Dives Into Lake
To Help Boy Boaters

A dramatic rescue was effected in the children’s boating lake at Conisborough on Monday, when a man dived fully clothed into the deep water and brought to safety two young boys, whose boat had capsized.

The boys, Frederick Cutler (13), and Leonard Albert Cutler (11), are the sons of Police-constable Frederick Cutler, a member of the Clitheroe (Lancs.) Borough Police Force, and are at present staying with their grandparents at Royston House, Market Street, Mexborough.

About 3-15 on Monday afternoon they were boating on the lake when their boat capsized and both were thrown into the water at a point where it was about six feet deep.

The younger boy, who was unable to swim, clutched at his brother and soon both were in difficulties. Their plight was noticed by Mr. Leslie Taylor (26), a miner, of 20, Parkgate Avenue, Conanby, Conisborough, and fully clothed he dived into the water. With difficulty he released thelder boy from the clutches of his brother and then struggled with the othter boy to the bank.

Frederick Cutler, a moderate swimmer, managed to reach the bank unaided but in a very exhausted co edition. He was helped from the water by an attendant at the boating lake who had just arrived on the scene.

Neither of the boys was much the worse for his adventure. Indeed, Frederick insisted on riding home on his bicycle, which he refused to leave at the boating lake.

Leonard was brought home in a car, but, apart from slight shock he was unaffected by his adventure. He did, however, refuse to have any tea, telling his parents, “No, I’ve swallowed enough for to-day.”

When seen by a ‘`Times” reporter. P.c. Cutler was full of praise for the courage and promptitude shown by Mr. Taylor, and but for his timely and courageous rescue there might easily have been a double tragedy.”

The father asks us to note that he is satisfied the capsizing of the boat was not due to any defect in it or to any fault of the attendants.