R.S.P.C.A. Life Saving Medal, bronze (M. W. Bradley 1985), complete with ‘For Humanity’ brooch bar, nearly extremely fine £180-220

‘The River Eden at Lazonby Bridge rose considerably on the morning of 21st December, 1985, marooning 45 sheep which were near the bridge and were becoming cut off by the rising water.

With two local farmers, Mr Raine and Mr Bowman, PC Bradley approached the area to see how the sheep could be rescued. The current was too strong and the water too deep that a tractor/trailer was considered. This was requested from nearby Eden Hall Estates, through the good offices of the Stockman, Mr Jackson, but while waiting for the tractor to arrive, PC Bradley collected his own canoe, wet suit, life jacket and rope etc., again through the Stockman, who lent his Land Rover and proceeded to move the sheep to the easiest crossing place. The sheep, however, were reluctant to enter the water and it needed both PC Bradley and Mr Bowman to drive them across to safety. Sometimes they were in the canoe, but mostly they were guiding the sheep, swimming with them to help get them to high ground. Five of the sheep did not survive; they were drowned as they became entangled in submerged branches and fencing’. (Ref. R.S.P.C.A. Records).

For the rescue, bronze medals for lifesaving were awarded to P.C. 671 M. W. Bradley and Mr Tom Bowman; Certificates of Merit were awarded to five others.

With copied official R.S.P.C.A. and Cumbria Constabulary records, together with a copied certificate of award for the Life Saving Medal.