Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (William A. Brazendale, 6th February 1890) nearly extremely fine £120-160

On 6 February 1890 Mrs Mullard was walking along the canal bank to a concert in the Congregational Schoolroom at Lymm. In the dark she accidentally fell into the water. Hearing her screams two brothers, William and Charles Brazendale, came to her aid. William jumped in and succeeded in rescuing her, helped by his brother (ref. R.H.S. case no. 24770).

With a copied extract from the Warrington Guardian, 8 February 1890, which reported on the incident: ‘Mrs Mullard, wife of the Clerk to the Local Board, was the subject of an unpleasant experience on Thursday evening. Whilst walking along the canal bank on her way to a concert, which was being held in the Congregational Schoolroom, she inadvertently, the night being dark, stepped into the water. She immediately raised an alarm, and, fortunately, her screams were heard by two brothers, Wm. and Chas. Brazendale, who promptly went to her assistance. William dived into the canal, and, aided by his brother, succeeded in rescuing the lady from her perilous position. Mrs Mullard was taken in an unconscious state to the residence of Mr William Brazendale, where she received attention; and Dr Williamson for whom a messenger had been despatched, was speedily in attendance. ... Too much praise cannot be accorded Messrs. Wm. and Chas. Brazendale for their courageous conduct, and we learn that this is the third person whom Mr Wm. Brazendale has rescued from drowning.’

William Brazendale was born in about 1872 in Lymm, Cheshire, the son of Richard and Ellen Brazendale. He went on to work as a farm labourer and then gardener. He married Florence Cotton on 24 December 1901. He appears to have died in about 1950.