BB Gazette Vol.78 No.2 – The Brigade’s highest gallantry award, the Cross for Heroism, has been awarded to 16 year old L/Cpl. Alan Budd of the 18th Kingston and Merton Company.

On Easter Sunday last year during a holiday trip, another member of the same Company dived into the River Thames at Buckland, Berkshire, and got into difficulties. Although Alan had no life-saving experience and well knowing the dangerous conditions, he unhesitatingly entered the extremely cold, fast flowing river and swam some 30 yards, fully clothed. He then searched for his friend who had disappeared below the surface of the water, and Alan himself regained the bank only with difficulty. Despite his wet clothing and near exhausted state, he insisted on walking along the river bank to search, fully prepared to make a further rescue attempt. Unfortunately, the other member had been carried away by the current and was drowned. At the time of the accident the current was running at three to four knots. The water temperature was only just above freezing point and the survival time in the water was estimated at five minutes.

Alan was presented with his award by Mr David Pickford, President of London District, during the London District Display at the Royal Albert Hall on 12th May 1978. Alan was congratulated by the Deputy Mayor of Merton, Councillor F. H. Meakings, on the platform of the Royal Albert Hall.