BB Gazette Vol.47 No.1 – The Boys’ Brigade Cross for Heroism has been awarded to Lance-Corporal William Edward Garnham, aged 14, of the 2nd Gorleston Company, for saving a Boy’s life at Gorleston on the 7th of June, 1938.

Two Boys were standing at the end of the breakwater after a bathe when one of them was swept off his feet by a big wave and, falling into the sea, was carried away on the ebbing tide. His companion attempted unsuccessfully to bring him back, but as he could not do so he swam in and shouted for help. Garnham ran down the breakwater, pulled off his shoes and coat and dived in. He got to the drowning Boy, whom he brought in to the rocks, and he succeeded in holding on until both Boys were helped ashore by two coastguards with ropes. The rescued Boy was unconscious, bruised and bleeding. There is a notice warning bathers of the dangerous currents and depth at this spot and the Boy would certainly have been drowned but for Garnham’s plucky action.