Royal Humane Society

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Royal Humane Society

The Royal Humane Society was founded in London in 1774 by two eminent medical men, William Hawes and Thomas Cogan, who were keen to promote techniques of resuscitation. It became apparent that people were putting their own lives in danger rescuing others and awards were given in recognition of these acts of bravery. This remains the purpose of the society today. [1]

NAMERANKYEARFORCE/ AREA / STATIONAWARDCITATION / Notes
AUSTIN E. B.PC1975BTP Dover HarbourTestimonial on ParchmentPC Austin jumped between a ship and the quayside to rescue a drunken seaman who had fallen in the water at Dover on 15th August 1975. Despite attempts at resuscitation the man died.
BALLY EInsp1957BTC BirminghamTestimonial on ParchmentDuring a police outing on a river steamer in June 1956 the officers saw the apparently lifeless body of a 12 year old boy in the river near Evesham. They got the boy to shore and after 40 minutes managed to resuscitate him.
BLOWERS C. G.PC1964BTP Dover HarbourTestimonial on ParchmentPC Blowers jumped into the harbour fully clothed to rescue a drowning woman.
BOTTEN TerrencePC1992BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentThe officer was involved in an incident where a person had been trapped under a train and the officer put his own safety at risk to rescue them.
BOTTEN TerrencePC1989BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentOn 26th January 1989, in company with PS Neil Gulliver rescued a man who was in imminent danger of electrocution on the track at Goodge Street LUL Station.
BRACKEN NicholasPC1983BTP StratfordTestimonial on ParchmentNo Details Known
BRENNAN DennisPC1944DublinTestimonial on ParchmentFor saving a suicidal man who had jumped into the River Liffey in Dublin.
BROWN P. R.PC1967BTP London TransportTestimonial on VellumOn 15th January 1967 a man jumped into the path of an underground train at Piccadilly Circus. PC Brown climbed under the train to restrain the man while it was driven slowly over him. This act prevented the man from touching the live rails causing him further injury.
BRYAN CPC1978BTP BirminghamTestimonial on ParchmentOn 19th January 1978 a youth climbed onto a ledge above the station platforms and close to the 25,000 volt overhead wires. The officers (PS Hysop, PC Bryan & PC Jordison) climbed onto the ledge and managed to catch hold of him before he fell.
BUNCLE AndrewPC1992BTP BirminghamTestimonial on ParchmentIn April 1992 PC Buncle rescued a 16 year old girl who was threatening to jump from scaffolding above railway lines.
CHAMBERLAIN GerryPC1977BTP VictoriaRHS Bronze MedalWith PC Tansell rescued two adults and five children who had become trapped under cliffs by an incoming tide. He made five swims between the shore and the awaiting dingy to save the trapped people. On his last run despite a foot injured when it struck the propeller he rescued two children at the same time. This medal is a rare award and worn on the right breast. This officer was a member of the Seaford (Sussex) Lifeguard Club.
CHAPMAN-HART JohnPC1992BTP DoncasterTestimonial on VellumThe officers (Insp Hobson & PC Chapman-Hart) rescued a man threatening to throw himself from the roof of an office block in Doncaster.
CLARKSON AustinPC2004BTP
Wales & Western		Police MedalSaved a woman from jumping off a bridge over the M5 in Somerset.
The Police Medal was introduced in 2000 to honour the most outstanding act of heroism by a police officer during the preceding year. It is made of silver gilt and is awarded every January. The winner is chosen by the Committee from among the previous year's award-winners.
COBLEY DeePC1983BTP VictoriaCertificateDuring football duty at Luton the officers (PC's Cobley & Townsend) attended to a man who had collapsed. They resuscitated him and saved his life.
CROFT AshleyPS1992BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentThe officer was involved in an incident where a person had been trapped under a train and the officer put his own safety at risk to rescue them.
CURZEY SPC1983BTP London TransportTestimonal on VellumNo Details Known
CUTHBERT GordonPC1981BTP GlasgowTestimonal on VellumThe officers (PC's Cuthbert & Farquhar) were escorting a train of rugby supporters between Edinburgh and Glasgow on 7th February 1981. A man opened a carriage door which swung open, pulling him outside the train which was travelling at 60 mph. One officer climbed onto the running board held by the other and between them they managed to pull the man back into the train.
DAVISON RobertPS1974BTP London TransportTestimonial on VellumOn 6th February 1974 at Hyde Park Corner LT Station Sgt Davison attended the scene of a suicide attempt and went under the train to attend to the person and finding he was uninjured, but distressed, ordered the train to be driven off over himself and an ambulanceman who had come to assist. This being the quickest and most expedient way of getting him off the track and away to hospital.
EDOM WalterPC1951BTC West HartlepoolCertificateOn 23rd October 1950 a seaman fell into the dock waters. With a dock worker, PC Edom recovered the man from the dock and performed artificial respiration.
EDWARDS RobertPC1960BTC London TransportTestimonial on VellumOn 19th April 1959 climbed into the River Thames near Cleopatra's Needle to rescue a suicidal woman who had jumped into the water. Although he was not a swimmer and despite a violent struggle, he managed to rescue the woman.
ELLIOT DonaldPC1990BTP WaterlooResuscitation CertificateOn 22nd August 1990, attended to a collapsed male on the main concourse of Waterloo Station, and in company with a LUL Station Supervisor (David Gibson), successfully resuscitated him using a defibrillator.
FARQUHAR KennethPC1981BTP GlasgowTestimonal on VellumThe officers (PC's Cuthbert & Farquhar) were escorting a train of rugby supporters between Edinburgh and Glasgow on 7th February 1981. A man opened a carriage door which swung open, pulling him outside the train which was travelling at 60 mph. One officer climbed onto the running board held by the other and between them they managed to pull the man back into the train.
FIDGETT AndrewPC1984BTP Parkeston QuayResuscitation CertificateOn 7th October 1983 PC Fidgett gave mouth to mouth resuscitation to a man who had fallen and stopped breathing after striking a level crossing gate at Pardeston Quay.
FORD AndrewInsp1992BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentThe officer was involved in an incident where a person had been trapped under a train and the officer put his own safety at risk to rescue them.
GARRETT RoyPC1950BTC Cardiff DocksTestimonal on ParchmentOn 1st June 1950 a two year old boy fell into the East Dock at Cardiff. PC Garrett dived into the muddy water fully clothed in an attempt to rescue the child.
GODFREY RonaldPC1986BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentFor rescuing a woman from under an underground train at Chiswick Park Station.
GULLIVER NeilPS1989BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentOn 26th January 1989, in company with Pc Terry Botton, rescued a man who was in imminent danger of electrocution on the track at Goodge Street LUL Station.
HARTLEY JPS1971BTP Dover HarbourTestimonial on ParchmentThe officer was lowered on a crane between the dockside and a ship to rescue a person who had fallen into the water. Award presented by Sir Henry Johnson the Chairman of the BRB on 26th July 1971 at Marylebone.
HAWKINS JimPC1976BTP Southampton DocksTestimonial on ?On 1st January 1976 PC Hawkins jumped into the icy waters at Southampton Docks and swam 30 yards to rescue a reveller who had fallen in the water.
HEAVEY RobertPC1973BTP London TransportTestimonial on VellumOn 19th December 1972 PC Heavey climbed under a train at Piccadilly Circus Underground Station to attend a suicidal man. He restrained the man, holding him still as the train was drawn clear.
HOBSON GrahamInsp1992BTP DoncasterTestimonial on VellumThe officers (Insp Hobson & PC Chapman-Hart) rescued a man threatening to throw himself from the roof of an office block in Doncaster.
HOLLAND KPC1970BTP Hull DocksAward UnknownNo Citation Available. Presented by the Chief Docks Manager at a ceremony at Hull on 21st September 1970.
HUGHES KenPC1984BTP Charing CrossTestimonial on ParchmentWhilst walking over Hungerford Bridge on 27th June 1984, PC Hughes witnessed a woman climb over a safety fence onto a ledge 50 feet above the Thames. The officer attempted to pacify her and when she appeared about to jump, he grabbed hold of her and held her until assistance arrived and she could be pulled clear of danger.
HYSLOP MPS1978BTP BirminghamTestimonial on ParchmentOn 19th January 1978 a youth climbed onto a ledge above the station platforms and close to the 25,000 volt overhead wires. The officers (PS Hysop, PC Bryan & PC Jordison) climbed onto the ledge and managed to catch hold of him before he fell.
JACKSON MickPS2012BTP Wembley Park LULOn Wednesday, 21 July 2010, Sgt Jackson was leaving Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court when a 51-year-old man collapsed in front of him. He immediately placed him in the recovery position, but the man became unconscious and stopped breathing. He then administered full CPR for more than seven minutes until London Ambulance Service paramedics arrived and rushed the man to hospital.
JENNINGS E. RPC1983BTP FleetwoodTestimonial on ParchmentNo Details Known
JONES GlynPS1970BTP Cardiff DocksTestimonial on VellumActing Sergeant Jones saw a woman in the waters of Cardiff Dock and dived in to rescue her.
JONES MarkPC1992BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentThe officer was involved in an incident where a person had been trapped under a train and the officer put his own safety at risk to rescue them.
JORDISON JPC1978BTP BirminghamTestimonial on ParchmentOn 19th January 1978 a youth climbed onto a ledge above the station platforms and close to the 25,000 volt overhead wires. The officers (PS Hysop, PC Bryan & PC Jordison) climbed onto the ledge and managed to catch hold of him before he fell.
KEANE JPC1986BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentFor rescuing a woman from under an undergrount train at Goodge Street Station.
LAWSON PPC1970BTP Hull DocksAward UnknownNo Citation Available. Presented by the Chief Docks Manager at a ceremony at Hull on 21st September 1970.
LAYBOURNE DavidPC1979BTP NewcastleTestimonial on VellumThe officers (PC's Laybourne, Taylor & Thompson) struggled with a very violent man who was intent on committing suicide at Newcastle Station on 4th April 1978. He tried to pull himself and the officers into the paths of oncoming trains until he was restrained.
MOSSPS1972BTP Hull DocksTestimonial on VellumSergeant Moss rescued a man from the waters of the Princess Dock at Hull.
OTTLEYPC1956BTC Grimsby DocksTestimonial on ParchmentIn the early hours of 25th March 1956 the officers climbed into the murky waters of the Fish Dock at Grimsby and rescued a sailor who had fallen overboard a ship.
OTTLEY PPC1970BTP Grimsby DocksTestimonial on VellumOn 4th August 1969 PC Ottley jumped into dock waters to rescue a drunken 16 year old German sailor. He managed to retrieve him via a rope ladder and gave him artificial respiration to revive him. This was the officer's second such award. Previously awarded in 1956.
O'NEILL JamesPC1992BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentThe officer was involved in an incident where a person had been trapped under a train and the officer put his own safety at risk to rescue them.
PUGH J. D.PC1964BTP Dover HarbourRHS Resuscitation CertificateAfter PC Blowers jumped into the harbour fully clothed to rescue a drowning woman, PC Pugh gave the woman artificial resuscitation and revived her.
QUINN DavidDC1966BTP SwanseaTestimonial on VellumOn 13th August 1966 DC Quinn dived into the river adjacent to Swansea Docks where he rescued an 8 year old boy from drowning.
REYNOLDS BrianPC1975BTP London TransportTestimonial on VellumOn 24th June 1974 PC Reynolds jumped in from of an oncoming train at Piccadilly Circus Station to rescue a would be suicide.
RHODES MichaelPC1976BTP HolyheadTestimonial on ParchmentOn 11th January 1976 PC Rhodes attempted to rescue a drowning man from the frozen waters of Holyhead Harbour. He entered the water between a ship and the harbour wall and swam to the man. Artificial respirtion was was attemped with no success.
RICKARD J. E.PC1953BTC Plymouth DocksTesitmonial on VellumOn 24th July 1952 PC Rickard, in full uniform, dived into Clyde Quay and after a bitter struggle, rescued a man attempting suicide.
ROSE David AndrewPS2000BTP NottinghamTestimonial on VellumOn the 17th April 2000, gone to the rescue of a woman who was in imminent danger of being struck by a high speed train at Nottingham Railway Station and whose life he gallantly assisted to save.
PS ROSE also received a Chief Constable's Commendation for his actions.
ROSE JeanPC1986BTP EustonTestimonial on ParchmentFor preventing a woman, who had taken a drug overdose, from jumping from scaffolding on a building in Doris Way, London NW1.
ROWNEY StevenPC1984BTP WaterlooTestimonial on ParchmentPC Rowney attended Waterloo Underground Station on 22nd June 1984 where a woman had jumped in front of a train in an attempt to take her life. The officer climbed under the train and held her down whilst the train was run over them.
SIDWELL ChristopherPC1989BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentOn 15th December 1989, at Kentish Town LUL Station, saved a man from under a train putting his own safety at risk .
SIDWELL ChristopherPC1990BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentOn 5th June 1990, at Edgware Road LUL Station, attempted to save a man from under a train putting his own safety at risk.
SIDWELL ChristopherPC1988BTP London TransportTestimonial on VellumOn 5th October 1988, at Highbury and Islington LUL Station, attempted to save a man trapped under train putting his own safety at risk .
SIDWELL ChristopherPC1989BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentOn 16th December 1989, at Archway LUL Station, saved a woman from under a train putting his own safety at risk.
TANSELL StuartPC1977BTP Newhaven HarbourTestimonial on VellumWith PC Chamberlain rescued two adults and five children who had become trapped under cliffs by an incoming tide. He rowed a dingy dangerously close to the cliffs to make the rescue. This officer was a member of the Seaford (Sussex) Lifeguard Club.
TAYLOR DavidPC1979BTP NewcastleTestimonial on VellumThe officers (PC's Laybourne, Taylor & Thompson) struggled with a very violent man who was intent on committing suicide at Newcastle Station on 4th April 1978. He tried to pull himself and the officers into the paths of oncoming trains until he was restrained.
TAYLOR FrederickPS1966BTP BirminghamResuscitation CertificateDuring the previous year Sgt. Taylor was called to the home of the widow of a former member of the force. Her gas oven had blown up and she was overcome with the fumes. He gave her mouth to mouth resuscitation and revived her.
THACKERAY RonaldPC1956BTC HullRHS AwardOn a summer afternoon in 1955 a toddler fell into a drain at a housing estate in Hull. PC Thackeray who lived nearby was called to the scene to the scene, recovered the child and rendered emergency resuscitation, saving the life of the little girl.
THOMPSON AlexPC1979BTP NewcastleTestimonial on VellumThe officers (PC's Laybourne, Taylor & Thompson) struggled with a very violent man who was intent on committing suicide at Newcastle Station on 4th April 1978. He tried to pull himself and the officers into the paths of oncoming trains until he was restrained.
TOWNSEND WilliamPC1983BTP EustonCertificateDuring football duty at Luton the officers (PC's Cobley & Townsend) attended to a man who had collapsed. They resuscitated him and saved his life.
TRAYNOR E.PC1983BTP Grimsby DocksTestimonial on ParchmentNo Details Known
VAUSE FPS1957BTC BirminghamTestimonial on ParchmentDuring a police outing on a river steamer in June 1956 the officers saw the apparently lifeless body of a 12 year old boy in the river near Evesham. They got the boy to shore and after 40 minutes managed to resuscitate him.
WEBB ChristopherPC1976BTP London TransportTestimonial on VellumThe officer rescued an injured man from under an Underground train at Tottenham Court Road Station on 8th July 1975. He restrained the man who was struggling as the train was moved over them.
WHITE EPS1956BTC Grimsby DocksTestimonial on ParchmentIn the early hours of 25th March 1956 the officers climbed into the murky waters of the Fish Dock at Grimsby and rescued a sailor who had fallen overboard a ship.

[1] Source: The Royal Humane Society