BB Gazette Vol.56 No.1

The Cross for Heroism has been awarded to Private James Lucock, aged 15, of 11th Liverpool Company, for saving a Boy of eleven from drowning in the River Mersey at Otterspool on 28th May.

Lucock was walking on the river bank when he heard some Boys shouting for help; he ran towards them and saw a Boy struggling against a strong current, and sinking in deep water. Without hesitation he plunged in and on reaching the Boy had difficulty in overcoming his struggles. He succeeded ultimately in swimming back with him, and on reaching the bank proceeded to apply artificial respiration until relieved by two men, who continued the treatment until the police ambulance took the patient to the infirmary.

It was a brave action, enhanced by the fact that although other people were at hand, no one else attempted the rescue. The spot is well known to be a dangerous one where not a few attempted rescues have resulted in loss of life.