Mexborough and Swinton Times August 5, 1938
Wombwell Lad’s Gallant Rescue
Pulled Friend Out Of Lock
George Whitlam (11), son of Mr. Joseph Whitlam, joiner, 14 Mellor Road, Wombwell, and Mrs. Whitlam, was the hero of a canal rescue at Wombwell Junction on Monday. By his pluck he saved the life of Gordon Flintham (8), son of Richard Flintham, an unemployed miner, of 18 Mellor Road.
On Monday evening the two boys, along with Colin Tonks (11), Winston Tonks (10), and Walter Flintham (7), set off to visit the paddling pool at Brampton Welfare ground, but on their arrival found that the pool was empty. They then retraced their steps and took the canal bank route through Wombwell Junction, stopping on the way to watch a party of bathers. George was walking some fifty yards in front of the other boys when he heard a shout and, turning round, saw Gordon struggling in a lock basin where the water was ten feet deep. He had slipped on the bank and fallen in.
None of the other boys could swim and as there was no other person in the vicinity George had to take off his shirt and trousers and, after donning swimming trunks which he had snatched from another boy, he dived in. Gordon had gone down twice, but after a struggle, in which the rescuer received a blow on the bridge of the nose which made a severe bruise, George managed to get hold of him and tow him to the side.
For some time the smaller boy was too exhausted to speak or stand, but among them, and with the assistance of a Mr. Stenton who had arrived on his bicycle in time to help the lads to the embankment, the party brought him round. George and Gordon were then taken home on a lorry, much to the surprise of George who could not understand why he was being “taken for a ride.” He was none the worse for his adventure, except that his efforts had sharpened his appetite and he ate a specially big tea. Mr. Stenton, who apparently was the only person who witnessed the desperate plight of the lads, said George was coolness itself.
George was taught to swim at Wombwell Baths and holds a County Council certificate for swimming 75 yards.’ He attends Wombwell Middle School and is proud of the fact that he is second reserve in the “Saxons” team. He is also keen on football.
His only trouble is that he lost a boot in the water and his mother, who has eight children al at home, will have to buy him anothet pair. He told a “Times” reporter that Gordon was “gurgling” when he got to him. There is no doubt that Georg was the means of saving a life. Steps have already been taken to put the facts before the Royal Life Saving Society.