Mexborough and Swinton Times, June 1, 1928

Canal Rescue
Brampton Youth’s Gallantry
Schoolboy Saved.

Reuben Nutter, (picture) aged 21, who lives with his widowed mother at 18, Becknoll Road, Brampton, Wombwell, was the hero of a remarkably plucky rescue from drowning at Wombwell on Saturday.

Shortly after two o’clock in, the afternoon Nutter was walking along the towing path from his home at Brampton in the direction of Wombwell. He had reached a point about a hundred and fifty yards on the Wombwell side of the bridge in Wath Road when he heard a cry from behind.

It transpired that Jack Thompson (16), of 12, Tavell Street, Worsboro’ Dale, had been cycling along the towing path and his head had come into contact with the stone arch of the bridge. The impact was such that he was knocked from his machine to roll senseless into the water. His companions—boys more of less of his own-age—were grappling hopelessly in the water with their hands when Nutter rushed up to the spot, took in the situation at a. glance and without a moments hesitation dived into the water, which at the spot is about nine feet deep. For some moments it appeared that Nutter’s efforts at rescue would fail for at the first attempt he  returned to the surface without having found any trace of the drowning lad. He remained on the embankment no longer than was sufficient to recover his breath and then dived in a second time to bring the lad to the surface.

In the meantime quite a crowd had gathered and Nutter found plenty of assistance in getting the lad to the surface.

In the meantime quite a crowd had gathered and Nutter found plenty of assistance in getting the lad to the side. Among those who had rushed to the spot was Harold Digner of Junction Cottage, New Wombwell who, having knowledge of first-aid was able to give practical assistance.

At first Thompson showed no signs of life and there was a general impression that he had breathed his last. Digner, however, persisted with artificial respiration and shortly had the satisfaction of seeing the lad come round. Having sufficiently recovered Thompson was taken to the house of Mr. Digner. Stimulants were fetched from the house of Councillor J. Wright who lives near the spot and the lad was provided with a change of clothing. Dr. J. Foley attended to his immediate needs and eventually he was taken home in a motor vehicle provided by Mr. Wright. On, Tuesday the lad was reported to be little worse for his unfortunate experience.

James Walton, 8, Junction Street, New Wombwell, described the rescue as “the finest ever seen in the district.” Nutter, be said, never spared himself. He could have left the spot without saying a word to anyone if a constable had not caught him by arm and pulled him back.

Walton also praises Dibner, without whose patient effort he thinks the lad would have died.      r.•

When  others pronounced the lad dead Dibner just  carried on. When Nutter dived into the water he had all his clothing on except his jacket.

Nutter is employed as a brick drawer at Messrs J Oakland and Sons, Parkhill brickworks, Wombwell. The family came to Wombwell from Askham in Furniss near Barrow two years ago.

The circumstances of the rescue are to be put before the Wombwell U.D.C.at their next meeting by Councillor J Wright with a view to Nutter’s bravery be recognised.

Thompson attends the Barnsley Grammar School. His father is a miner.