BB Gazette Vol.92 No.2 – The Cross for Heroism has been awarded to Lance Corporal Christopher Clifton of the 2^nd Sheffield Company for a courageous rescue from drowning in hazardous conditions.

Citation on Christopher’s Certificate 14^th October 1983 – … for rescuing Jonathan Owuodzie (aged 11) from drowning. In May, the Company organised a boating holiday on inland waterways. During the afternoon of 24 May on the Grand Union Canal, as the boats were slowly approaching a series of locks just above Warwick, Jonathan, a very weak swimmer and momentarily without his buoyancy aid, fell into the canal which at this point was 80/90 feet wide, cold, very deep, and with strong undercurrents caused by the movement of water into and out of the locks. Christopher, seeing the situation, immediately dived in fully clothed and swam some 70 feet to reach Jonathan and then swam with him a further 40 feet to helpers on the bank. By this time Christopher was completely exhausted by his efforts.

Christopher displayed commendable presence of mind and great courage in carrying out a life-saving rescue in extremely hazardous conditions.