On 12th December 2022, Cadet LCpl Finn Beckwith and Cadet George Nicholas were travelling home with Cadet Nicholas’ father through Halifax Town Centre. They spotted a lady in distress on North Bridge attempting to climb over the safety fence. All three immediately stopped and ran over to prevent the situation from escalating. Mr Nicholas grabbed the lady’s backpack in attempt to stop her falling from the bridge, while Cadet LCpl Beckwith phoned the emergency services for support. Cadet Nicholas acted as a look-out/guide for the emergency services to get help to the lady as quickly as possible.
Thanks to the quick actions and calm approach taken by all three, the lady was successfully removed from the bridge to a place of safety.Last week (20th July 2023), the County Commandant, Colonel Hugh Gell, attended Halifax Detachment, the home detachment of Cadet Nicholas and the promoted Cadet Cpl Beckwith. He was there to present them with the Army Cadet Charitable Trust (ACCT) UK Praiseworthy Action Award. This is a national award that is given to cadets who have done something exceptional.
In what was an extremely rare occurrence, Mr Nicholas (who is not a member of the ACF) was also presented with the ACCTUK Praiseworthy Action Award for his actions on that evening.
The cadets' detachment commander, Lt Greenwood, stated:
"We are extremely proud of the two cadets receiving the ACCTUK Award for their actions. The cadets have applied their first aid training and showed great courage in the difficult circumstances that unfolded in front of them."
Well-deserved recognition for their heroic actions - well done!
- Original images/copy by Lt Ellis SOA D Company, Edited by Major M Bell CMEO YNW ACF
#ACCTUK #rfcayh #armycadetsuk #toinspiretoachieve #yorkshireacf
