ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY TESTIMONIAL ON PARCHMENT FOR BRAVERY IN SAVING LIFE 1937

Description

This is a framed original Testimonial on Parchment awarded by the Royal Humane Society to Gordon Gaul, a 14-year old boy who put himself in danger to save another child's life.

Gordon Gaul was an intelligent child who did well at school. His parents were George and Edith Gaul. George was the landlord of The Horse Shoes Public House on Tombland, Norwich from 1927 to 1934. On his death in 1934 the licence of this Steward & Patterson Public House was passed on to his widow Edith. After the pub's closure in February 1959 the licence was passed on to The Heartsease pub in Norwich.

We are proud that Gordon, a distant relative, not only excelled at school (Thorpe Hamlet Senior Boys School) but achieved all his swimming certificates which were issued by Norwich Education Committee (one of which is included in this collection). Little did he know how valuable that skill would be on 15th July 1937.

The family had been hit hard, not only by George's untimely death, but also by the publicity of one month's detention for keeping the pub open out of hours in November 1929.

Imagine the young Gordon walking near the River Wensum in Norwich on 15th July 1937 at the tender age of 14 on his way home to help his mother in the pub, having already completed a day's work as a Builder's Assistant in Norwich. Just three years after his father's death Gordon was carrying out all the tasks that his deceased father would have performed to keep the pub running for the family. Whilst out walking he spotted a young girl, Florence Barr, drowning in the river. Florence had been picking flowers on the river bank when she fell into the water. Gordon dived in fully clothed, initially became trapped but managed to free himself and bravely rescued Florence. There were five witnesses to the dramatic rescue by Gordon.

Gordon was awarded the Royal Humane Society's Testimonial on Parchment award for 'having gone to the rescue of a young girl who was in imminent danger of drowning and whose life he gallantly saved'. The case was reported by the Chief Constable of Norwich.

Gordon was a distant relative and we are super proud of him. Notwithstanding personal tragedy in his own life he responded as a true hero. Many of the Royal Humane Society's awards go to police officers and fire and rescue officers for their bravery. Gordon was in the right place at the right time to save Florence's life.

The following four items are included:

* Framed award from the Royal Humane Society inscribed on parchment dated 10th August 1937

* Photocopied extract from The Royal Humane Society's case book held at Temple Chambers London dated 10th August 1937

* Newspaper cutting from the Yarmouth Independent dated 21st August 1937 (the name should be Gordon, not George)

* Norwich Education Committee Swimming Instruction certificate

All items are in good condition, however there is some damage to the back of the frame due to age (see photos). From a smoke and pet free home.

We are located in Trowse near Norwich, just a few mins drive from County Hall and the football ground, and 5 mins drive from the Southern Bypass.

Ad ID: 1494817445