Mexborough and Swinton Times July 29, 1938

Three Men Jump Into Canal To Save Swinton Girl

While walking on the bank of the Sheffield and South Yorkshire navigation Canal near Swinton L.N.E.R. station on Monday, Frank Silverwood (30) Miner of William Street, Swinton, heard screams and saw Gertrude Roughton, the six yearold daughter of Mrs. C. S. Roughton, and the late Mr. F. Roughton, struggling in the water.

Without hesitation he dived in, and was followed a few seconds later by Michael Mannion (25), unemployed miner, of 10, Walker Street, Swinton. They drifted out  into the middle of the canal and were in difficulties in their attempts to rescue the girl when Charles Mincher (52), unemployed miner, of 50, William Street, Swinton, jumped in and, seizing the girl, carried her to the bank. Silverwood and Mannion were able to get out unaided.

The girl was none the worse for her experience, and when seen by our representative later at her home was chatting happily to her sisters and brothers.        She said that she and some friends had been making boats out of paper and sailing them in the canal. It was as she attempted to reach one of these that she fell into the water.

Mincher, who was awarded the Royal Humane Society’s certificate in 1904 for the rescue of a child from a canal at Walsall, said “I can only say that I am glad that we were able to get her out.” Silverwood also, featured in the rescue of a Swinton boy from the canal near the same spot in August last year. The water had ruined his clothes and shoes, but he expressed thankfulness at being able to “give a hand.’ Mannion was modest, and said “I did not do much.” All three are married and have families.