Rescue in Wardens Mill pond (1913)

Post date: Mar 11, 2012 10:55:28 AM

Extract from Parish magazine of September 1913 (see also Wateringbury hero (1903):

The Honorary Parchment of the Royal Humane Society has been awarded to David Stubbs (in the employment of Mrs. Smith, baker) " for his courage and humanity in having saved life " on June 30th ult. by rescuing a little girl, Eva Large, from drowning in the Lower Mill Pond. Application for this award was made on the representation of Arthur Johnson, who was with David Stubbs at the time. The two men were walking down Bow Road when they heard cries from the direction of the pond. Realising someone was in danger they raced to the scene and David Stubbs, the younger man, arriving first he jumped in without hesitation, although he is unable to swim properly, and managed to bring the child, unconscious, to the bank, being helped out of the water by Johnson. Ten minutes' artificial respiration restored the little one, who was taken home by two ladies who happened to arrive while the process was being carried out.

The Lower Mill Pond was by Wardens and was drained shortly afterwards although no connection between the events is known. It was at 3/4 of an acre just slightly smaller than the remaining Upper Mill Pond.