BB Gazette Vol.18 No.2 – The Brigade Executive have awarded the Cross for Heroism to Lance-Corporal Edmund Semper, aged 14, 6th Sheffield Company, for stopping a runaway horse at considerable risk, 5th June, 1909.

Star Green ‘un, 18^th September 1909 – Congratulations must indeed be given to Captain E.H. Cole of the 6^th Sheffield Company on possessing such a brave fellow as Lance-Corporal Semper. At the executive meeting held at Dublin, the BB Cross for Heroism was awarded to Semper for his admirable conduct on June 5^th of this year.

On Saturday, June 5^th, as Semper was proceeding up Manor Lane, a horse suddenly bolted with a heavy cart, and dashed on towards the manor Castle. Against the Castle were about 20 children playing in the roadway. Seeing what would happen if the horse was allowed to go forward, Semper courageously pulled up the runaway horse. An eye-witness states: ‘I was proceeding to the Scouts’ field, when a horse and cart came at full gallop from city road. Whilst passing me I saw Lance-Corporal Edmund Semper jump off the pavement and go straight for the horse’s head and try to head the horse off. Twenty or thirty yards down the road, a lot of children were playing. I at once went to get the children out of the way. When this was done I turned round to see how Semper was going on, and saw that the horse was rearing in the air and trying to bite him. After carrying Semper some thirty yards, the horse kicked him in the ankle, and he perforce had to let go. But nevertheless, he had brought the animal almost to a standstill. If it had not been for Semper there might have been some of the children killed.

It will at once be seen that Semper fully deserves the Cross and may be justly proud of it.