RESCUER DROWNED

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 266, 31 January 1928, Page 1

RESCUER DROWNED

A SAD FATALITY TRAGIC END TO GALLANT ACT RETURNED SOLDIER’S HEROISM In rescuing a young boy named Pearce, who had fallen from- the Cornwallis Wharf yesterday afternoon, a returned soldier, Mr. Percy White, lost his life. Deceased was 30 years of age, and lived in Selwyn Street, Onehunga. Mr. White had gone to Cornwallis in the launch Callee to bring back a party of campers. He was walking along the wharf when he noticed the boy fall into the water. Without a moment’s hesitation he sprang after him. After a violent struggle, Mr. White managed to get the lad on his back. Meanwhile Mr. F. Langdon, of Manukau Road, Avondale, had secured a dinghy and took the boy ashore, while his rescuer was taken to the beach by Mr. C. Heaton, of Avondale, in another boat. He was seen to be in a serious condition and was gasping for breath. Nurse Bailey and willing helpers made strenuous efforts for two and a-half hours to restore him but without avail. It is thought the child had gripped him round the neck so violently that he was practically strangled. The deceased suffered from the effects of a severe war wound to his knee, received in the Battle of Messines. He was unable to bend his leg, but was a good swimmer. He enlisted when only 18 years of age and went overseas with the 14th Reinforcements. He had 13 operations on his knee. At the time of the fatality, his father, *-Mr. C. W. White, who owns the launches Awhitu and Callee, was proceeding up harbour in the former boat. His attention was attracted by means of signals, and he landed at Cornwallis only to hear of his son’s death. An inquest is being held. “A HERO” “A hero,” is how Mr. W. J. Jordan. M.P., describes the late Mr. White “Notwithstanding his wound whici arose from his war experiences, 1; saved the child from drowning. Hi war disability cost him his life. Sure! the country will do its duty toward the dependants of this hero.”