"A gallant instance of intrepidity and courage was displayed on Wednesday se'nnight, by Geo Soper of Exe-lane. Walking on the banks of the river, on the Exwick side, he saw two children who had just rolled into the water from a steep bank, and at once plunged into their rescue.
"Although it was ten foot deep at the spot he succeeded in getting them both out. The children who belonged to a navigator, working not far off, had wandered away to gather primroses and rolled into the deep water. The father expressed his gratitude. We have no doubt that the Humane Society will give a more substantial acknowledgement."
*
This brief recognition of George Soper's saving two young lives implies that George was a swimmer. If so he was in a minority. In 1845, few could swim, and learning to swim was problematic.
The grateful navigator on the banks of the Exe had brought his children, (very young I imagine) to his place of work. (The railway presumably) I wonder how common that might have been. Poignant that two infants(?) gathering primroses on the banks of the Exe on a bright(?) spring day might have drowned if intrepid George had not turned up.
The Royal Humane Society was already well established. It had been handing out silver medals since 1775, the year after it was founded. (Grace Darling received a gold one.) Oliver Goldsmith was a founding member. It has been 'Royal' since 1787. I hope George qualified.
No comments:
Post a Comment