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Rushden Argus, 22ndNovember 1912
Boy Hero
Interesting Presentations in Rushden – Saves Three Lives
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Patrol Leader Letts
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On Saturday, at the National Schools, Rushden, a very pleasing presentation was made, when the bravery of a Boy Scout was fittingly recognised.
The Rushden No. 1 Troop of Boy Scouts and 1st Stanwick’s assembled at headquarters, and, preceded by the band, marched to the National Schools where a presentation was made on behalf of headquarters to Patrol Leader Letts for bravery in saving life. The Ven. A. Kitchin, M.A., R.D., presided, and there were present: Mrs. Kitchin, Mrs. Browning, Miss Browning, Mrs. Fox, the Misses Hensman, Miss Jenson, Messrs. E. C. Browning, G. H. Skinner, W. Bazeley, and Fox. The Scouts were under the command of Scoutmaster Preston, and the officers present were Scoutmaster Bearsmore, G. Walker, and F. Willmott.
They were there mainly to present to Patrol Leader Frederick Letts a life-saving
Silver Medal
sent from headquarters for saving lives. Not for saving life in one instance, but on three occasions. It was not given to many the opportunity and power of saving the life of a fellow creature. In that case the medal was presented for saving life three times within a short period—a few months. The first case was the saving of a lad who was bathing at Matlock, and the other two cases were for the rescuing of brother Boy Scouts from the Ouse and the Nene respectively. (Applause) Patrol leader Letts was ready for the emergency, and it was a great thing in life to be ready for an emergency when the time came. That was a beginning, and he hoped that the encouragement that he would feel from the fact that he had been so useful would be further encouragement for him to keep before himself that great quality of helpfulness to his fellow men throughout his life. (Applause)
The Presentation
Mrs. Browning, in presenting the medal, said she considered it a very great honour to be asked to present that medal. She congratulated the company on having amongst them so brave a lad. (Applause) She was pleased to shake his hand. Mrs. Browning then pinned the medal on the lad’s breast as he stood modestly at the salute. The lady then presented Twelve Months’ Service Marks to the following Scouts: Masters, Percival, Willmott, Hatfield, Jaques, Cross, Baldry, and Hardwick; Gardeners’ Badges to Scouts Benning, Sugars, and Tomlin.
A Thanks Badge
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Mr. E. C. Browning
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Mr. Preston then announced an unexpected and pleasing presentation. On behalf of the Rushden Troop, the officers, and himself, he wished to present to Mr. E. C. Browning a Gold Thanks Badge, which he hoped Mr. Browning would accept as a small recognition of his kindness during his three years as president. He hoped Mr. Browning would lon continue in that office. (Applause) They were very thankful to Mrs. Browning also, for both always did anything that was asked of them. (Applause)
Mr. Browning, in reply, said he appreciated the gift very much. He considered the movement a very fine and useful one. It taught boys to do good actions, and amuse themselves. It caused them to respect their elders. It made them also strong and healthy, and as long as he lived he would support them. (Applause)
Major Curtis moved a vote of thanks to Mrs. Browning. He was sure he was voicing the general wish in so doing. (Applause) On behalf of the County Committee of the Northamptonshire Association, he should like to thank all for their attendance It showed them that the residents took an interest in the movement. He had found that in towns where the Scout movement did not take it was through lack of interest by the residents. They had a very good troop, and they had always kept up their numbers, and there was no town like Rushden which had a better record. The fact that lads had walked from Stanwick showed also the lads were keen to honour a brother Scout. That was the true Scout spirit. In conclusion, he personally congratulated Scout Letts on his bravery.
Mr. J. Claridge, J.P., C.C., seconded the vote of thanks, which was heartily accorded.
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