The gallantry of a Watford Gunner in rescuing a boy from drowning has been acknowledged in Southern Command Orders.

On the evening of June 21, a 14-year-old boy, Leonard Hughes, bathing in a river, got into difficulties and sank. Gunner J Dryden, of Headquarters, Coast Regiment RA, whose home address is in Pinner Road, Watford, ran to the river bank, dived in and brought the boy back to land.

He then assisted in applying artificial respiration and after 20 minutes the boy was sufficiently recovered to be removed. The civil police report said Gunner Dryden undoubtedly saved the boy’s life.

[From the Watford Observer of July 17, 1942]

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