A School Boy's Heroism.

A School Boy's Heroism (1909).

In 1909 George Brennan, a former student from the Thomas Street State School was awarded a Life Saving Medal for jumping into a lake in Shenton Park and saving two boys from drowning.

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Kalgoorlie Western Argus, 8 June 1909

SCHOOL BOY'S HEROISM Perth, June 4, 1909.

During Arbor day celebrations at the Thomas-street State school today advantage was taken of the occasion to present an ex-scholar, George Brennan with a medal for life saving. It appears that on December 5 last two little boys, Reginald and Percival McKanny aged 8 and 6 years respectively, were playing in Shenton Park, and they fell into the water. Both were in difficulties, and the lad Brennan jumped in to their assistance.

The younger lad had gone down for the second time when he was reached and dragged ashore. Brennan again jumped in and brought the other brother into safety. Both lads were unconscious when they were landed, but efforts to resuscitate them proved successful. In order to show their appreciation of Brennan's courageous behaviour, the parents of the rescued boys determined to present the lad with medal, and in the presence of his sometime school mates yesterday, the Inspector-General of Schools (Mr. Cecil Andrews) presented Brennan with the medal, complementing him for his plucky action. Three cheers were given by the children as an additional tribute to the lad.