A Higham Hero – Presentation to Local Life-Saver

At the monthly meeting of the Rushden and District branch of the Boot and Shoe Operatives' Union, on Monday, a very pleasing presentation was made to Mr. Solomon Upton, jun., of Kimbolton-road, Higham Ferrers, for saving life.

Councillor Bazeley, in presenting Mr. Upton with the honorary parchment of the Royal Humane Society, said Mr. Upton went down to the river to bathe, when he heard cries for help. He scaled a high barbed-wire fence, and, only staying to divest himself of his coat, plunged into the water, where Driver J. Roberts, of the A.S.C., was drowning. In the presence of a number of witnesses, including Lieut. Horrey, he brought the drowning soldier safely ashore. (Applause.) Knowing the circumstances, and being aware that Mr. Upton, had saved three persons from drowning, the speaker wrote to the Royal Humane Society and the Carnegie Hero Fund, giving them particulars of the heroic deed. As a result Mr. Upton had been awarded the society's parchment. (Applause) This he had had framed, and had pleasure in handing to Mr. Upton, that evening. He had received a reply from the Carnegie Fund saying that the matter should receive consideration. It gave the speaker great pleasure to be able to make an award for restoring life at a time when the greater part of the world seemed intent on the destruction of life. (Applause)

Mr. Upton, said he should prize the parchment very highly. He thanked Mr. Bazeley for the kindly interest and the generosity he had displayed in the matter. (Applause)