A GALLANT ACTION.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1153, 21 September 1882, Page 2

A GALLANT ACTION.

An extraordinary scene was witnessed on the Birmingham and Walsall Canal, near the Birmingham Railway Station. As the Midland express from Leeds, due in Birmingham was approaching the station, the passengers were alarmed by the cry that two persons were drowning in the canal next the railway line. A lad, while bathing, had got beyond his depth, aud upon shrieking for help a companion went to his assistance, and both sank together. The train was brought to a standstill, and Mr Martin, a Nottingham architect, left his carriage, climbed the fence and plunged into the canal. He was speedily followed by the guard named Dando. Mr Martin dived, and brought one lad safely to the bank, returning to the assistance of Dando, who had meanwhile got hold of the second lad, but was in great danger himself owing to the depth of mud. Mr Martin, however, at last succeeded in clutching the guard’s hand, and dragging both to the bank The lads were unconscious when rescued, but animation was speedily restored. The guard was almost exhausted. Their return to the waiting train was greeted with cheers, and a handsome subscription was raised for Dando, who was sent home to Derby by the next train. Mr Martin was too prostrated to continue his journey to Warrington, and remained in Birmingham.