A lightly edited transcript of a page 1 article in the 15 Aug 1918 Simcoe Reformer newspaper.

A Young Hero

On Wednesday afternoon, 8 Aug 1918, a number of boys were bathing in the river at Lynedoch behind the old mill, when one of them, George Nix, a boy of about 10 years of age, got into difficulty.

The place where they were bathing was deep, one hole being from 15 to 20 feet in depth.

The boys saw George sink several times and just as he was about to go under for the third time, one of their number, Frederick Geo. Cooper, a small boy of 11 years, went to his rescue and unaided brought him to the bank and did what he could to restore respiration.

The other boys raised the alarm and soon help was at hand and the victim brought back to consciousness.

All are agreed that a most gallant rescue was effected and that but for the timely help of the smaller boy George Nix would have lost his life.

It is felt that some recognition should be made of this heroic deed and the Rev. Mr. Ross is communicating the facts to the Royal Humane Society.

All of Lynedoch is proud of its youthful hero.
 

A lightly edited transcript of a page 1 article in the 2 Jan 1919 Simcoe Reformer newspaper.

Lynedoch's Hero

An interesting meeting was held in the Lyudoch [sic] school house on Monday evening, 23 Dec 1918., when a medal, presented by the Royal Humane Association, was given to Fred G. Cooper, a young lad of 11 years of age.

One a warm day in August last, a number of boys were bathing in Big Creek when one of their number, a boy about 17 years of age, became fatigued and sank in deep water. 

As he was about to go under for the third time, Cooper gallantly swam to his assistance and managed to bring him safely to the bank.

The rescued lad acknowledged that but for the timely help given to him, he would have been drowned, for he felt that he was going down for the last time.

The facts of the case were communicated to the Royal Humane Association, and they judged young Cooper worthy of special recognition.

A goodly number gathered to do honor to the youthful hero. Rev. G. M. Ross presented the medal which bore the following inscription: -- "Awarded to Fred. G. Cooer [sic] for the rescue pf George Nix from drowning, Lynedoch, Aug. 1918."

Appropriate addresses were given by the chairman, Rev. P. T. Meek, Mr. W. R. Halliday and Mrs. Arthur McEown. Under the leadership of Miss Hagerman, the choruses and recitation given by the young people of Lynedoch were much appreciated by the audience.