Lot 6169

Description

Royal Humane Society of Australasia silver medal. John William Stout 11.12.13. In case of issue. Engraved. Good very fine.

John William Stout, Harcourt Parade, Richmond, aged 35, malster, who rescued Alfred Cunningham, aged 4, from drowning in the River Yarra, at Richmond, o n August 25, 1913. The little boy had fallen into the river, which was running very high. When an alarm was raised Stout, who is a cripple, ran to the spot. Taking off his coat, trousers and boots he plunged into the river and swam to the lad, who was 60 years away in mid stream. He seized the boy and was returning to the bank with him when he became exhausted, and called for help. A passer-by waded in and took the boy from him. Stout reached the bank, but was too exhausted to get out without assistance.