Royal Humane Society

Royal Humane Society
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.
CAMPBELL PaulPC2015BTP Caledonian RoadCertificateWith PS Darren MEIR, Pcs Paul DOCKING and Neil POPE, on 5th February 2015, saved the life of a cyclist who was struck by a van outside of Caledonian Road BTP Police Station. The cyclist was trapped under the van and was not breathing. CPR was performed and the cyclist survived.
CARPENTER GeorgePC2018BTP WolverhamptonResuscitation CertificateOn 14th April 2017, with PCs Elvidge & Walters, attended the platform at Wolverhampton where a man had collapsed. The victim stopped breathing and two of the officers set about performing chest compressions. At the same time they had to control a heavy volume of football supporters on the platform. As a result of the officers' efforts, and shocks from a defibrillator, the victim had begun breathing again by the time paramedics arrived to take him to hospital where he went on to make a full recovery.
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.
CHATFIELD JamesPC2018BTP LondonN/KIn 2016, with PC Steven Williams attended Finsbury Park London underground station where a man had been struck by an arriving train. The man was thrown back onto the platform and sustained serious injuries. The officers began chest compressions and mouth to mouth resuscitation. Sadly, the man could not be saved and died from his injuries.
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.
CLIFFORTH KayPC2015BTP 'A' Division FHQ (FIB)Resuscitation CertificateOn 26th February 2015, at Wellingborough Station in Northamptonshire, along with DC Nikki Wood, performed CPR on a male who had collapsed with cardiac arrest on the platform, and assisted in restoring him to life.
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.
COLE Thomas FrancisPC1883LSWRP Portsmouth Harbour (Rail)Certificate on ParchmentRescued William Morley on 12th March 1883 from drowning at Portsmouth Harbour.
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.
CROWTHER PaulDS1989BTP London TransportTestimonial on
Parchment
Awarded for the rescue of a female from beneath a train at London Bridge Station on the 30th September 1988.
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.
DAVIS RonPC1988BTP 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.
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.
DOCKING PaulPC2015BTP Caledonian RoadCertificateWith PS Darren MEIR, Pcs Paul CAMPBELL and Neil POPE, on 5th February 2015, saved the life of a cyclist who was struck by a van outside of Caledonian Road BTP Police Station. The cyclist was trapped under the van and was not breathing. CPR was performed and the cyclist survived.
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.
ELVIDGE HaydenPC2018BTP WolverhamptonResuscitation CertificateOn 14th April 2017, with PCs Carpenter & Walters, attended the platform at Wolverhampton where a man had collapsed. The victim stopped breathing and two of the officers set about performing chest compressions. At the same time they had to control a heavy volume of football supporters on the platform. As a result of the officers' efforts, and shocks from a defibrillator, the victim had begun breathing again by the time paramedics arrived to take him to hospital where he went on to make a full recovery.
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.
FIELD F.Constable1909Lee ConservancyTestimonial on Vellum"…for saving a woman from drowning in the River Lee at Bow Wharf on 20th June 1909"
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.
GATHERCOLE IanPC2015BTP Special OperationsResuscitation CertificateOn 5th November 2014, restored a baby to life. Whilst travelling towards Paddington with a colleague the officers saw a female waving her hands frantically. They alighted the vehicle and PC Gathercole took hold of the baby who was not breathing. He checked the airway was not blocked and could see a blue tinge around the mouth. Placing the baby head down in his arms, he began CPR and the baby began to breath again.
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.
HARPER Martin J.PC1993BTP London TransportTestimonial on VellumOn the 18th July 1993 went to the rescue of a man who was in imminent danger of injury and electrocution on the track at Victoria L.U. Station and whose life he gallantly assisted to save.
HARPER Martin J.PC1991BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentOn 17th June 1991 went to the rescue of a man who was in imminent danger of injury and electrocution on the track at Euston L.U. Station and whose life he gallantly assisted to save.
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.
HEWARD DavidPS1974BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentFor rescuing a woman in danger of electrocution at Swiss Cottage Station.
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.
HOWLETTConstable1914Lee ConservancyTestimonial on Vellum"…while patrolling the Limehouse Cut on July 13th last, saw two boys in the water and in danger of drowning. He at once jumped in and rescued them."
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.
JUDGE AlbertConstable1914Lee ConservancyTestimonial on Vellum….on 24th August, 1913,....gallantly saved a boy from drowning near Bow Bridge.
KAZIMIERCZYK PaulPC1998BTP LeedsTestimonial on ParchmentWith PC MUDD, rescued a man threatening to jump from a bridge. They talked to the man and eventually pulled him to safety with the assistance of a member of the public.
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.
LIMBANI MayaPC2018BTP NottinghamCommendation CertificateOn 25th June 2017, at Ironville, in company with four Derbyshire Constabulary officers, prevented a man from falling off a railway bridge.
MARSHALLSAY JuliePC1999BTP BirminghamTestimonial on VellumWith PC SPENCER, for their courageous actions in rescuing a man who was threatening to jump on to the track below with additional hazard of 25,000 volt overhead cables to contend with.
MEIR DarrenPS2015BTP Caledonian Road CertificateWith PCs Paul CAMPBELL, Paul DOCKING and Neil POPE, on 5th February 2015, saved the life of a cyclist who was struck by a van outside of Caledonian Road BTP Police Station. The cyclist was trapped under the van and was not breathing. CPR was performed and the cyclist survived.
MOSSPS1972BTP Hull DocksTestimonial on VellumSergeant Moss rescued a man from the waters of the Princess Dock at Hull.
MUDD DavidPC1998BTP LeedsTestimonial on ParchmentWith PC KAZIMIERCZYK, rescued a man threatening to jump from a bridge. They talked to the man and eventually pulled him to safety with the assistance of a member of the public.
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.
OLIVER EugenePC1939LNER HullTestimonial on VellumIn December 1938, rescued James Harris, watchman of the steam trawler Kingston Onyx, from St. Andrew’s Dock, 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.
PIKETT WaynePC2010BTP DoncasterTestimonial on ParchmentOn 3rd June 2010, at personal risk, courageously assisted in saving the life of a woman who was on a flat roof, above platform 4 and close to the overhead power lines, which carry 25,000 volts, at Doncaster Railway Station, South Yorkshire.
POPE NeilPC2015BTP Caledonian RoadCertificateWith PS Darren MEIR, Pcs Paul CAMPBELL and Paul DOCKING, on 5th February 2015, saved the life of a cyclist who was struck by a van outside of Caledonian Road BTP Police Station. The cyclist was trapped under the van and was not breathing. CPR was performed and the cyclist survived.
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 BrianPC1973BTP London TransportTestimonial on VellumOn 24th June 1973 PC Reynolds at Piccadilly Circus Station crawled under a train to rescue a man. Knowing the risks involved he ordered the train to move and stayed with the man until the train had cleared them.
REYNOLDS BrianPC1980BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentOn 28th June 1980 at Waterloo Underground Station, went to the rescue a man in imminent danger of mechanical injury and electrocution on the railway line, and whose life he gallantly saved.
REYNOLDS Brian PC1981BTP London TransportTestimonial on ParchmentOn 9th November 1980, at Lancaster Gate Underground Station, went to the rescue of a woman in imminent danger of injury and electrocution on the railway line, and whose life he gallantly saved.
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.
RUSSELL David JohnPC1989BTP London TransportTestament on Parchment PC David John Russell British Transport Police for having on the 30th September 1988, at personal risk, gone to the rescue of a woman who was unfortunately fatally injured on the track at London Bridge (LUL) Station, London, SE1 and whose life he gallantly attempted to save.
SEABURY E.PC1939Swansea DocksTestament on ParchmentOn 11th August 1939, at Swansea Docks, rescued a child from drowning.
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 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 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.
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 .
SPENCER JillPC1999BTP BirminghamTestimonial on VellumWith PC MARSHALLSAY, for their courageous actions in rescuing a man who was threatening to jump on to the track below with additional hazard of 25,000 volt overhead cables to contend with.
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, recovered the child and rendered emergency resuscitation, saving the life of the little girl. See the StoryBank article.

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.
WALTERS JasonPC2018BTP WolverhamptonResuscitation CertificateOn 14th April 2017, with PCs Elvidge & Carpenter, attended the platform at Wolverhampton where a man had collapsed. The victim stopped breathing and two of the officers set about performing chest compressions. At the same time they had to control a heavy volume of football supporters on the platform. As a result of the officers' efforts, and shocks from a defibrillator, the victim had begun breathing again by the time paramedics arrived to take him to hospital where he went on to make a full recovery.
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.
WILLIAMS StevenPC2018BTP LondonN/KIn 2016, with PC James Chatfield attended Finsbury Park London underground station where a man had been struck by an arriving train. The man was thrown back onto the platform and sustained serious injuries. The officers began chest compressions and mouth to mouth resuscitation. Sadly, the man could not be saved and died from his injuries.
WOOD NikkiDC2015BTP 'A' Division FHQ (MIT)Resuscitation CertificateOn 26th February 2015, at Wellingborough Station in Northamptonshire, along with PC Kay Clifforth, performed CPR on a male who had collapsed with cardiac arrest on the platform, and assisted in restoring him to life.

[1] Source: The Royal Humane Society