A dramatic river rescue in Stonehouse Creek more than 60 years ago has sparked a search for more details by one of the families involved.
Margaret Vincent, who lives in Crownhill, contacted the Chronicle to see if any readers could shed more light on the incident which happened in 1954.
Margaret’s cousin Patricia ‘Pat’ Truan was 12 at the time when she rescued a little boy from drowning in the Creek. Margaret is now trying to find more information about her cousin’s heroics for Pat’s daughter Diana Milton, who lives in Poole with her family.
Margaret said:
“We are looking for anyone who knew my cousin Pat Truan, who lived at 44B High Street Flats in Stonehouse at the time of the rescue.
“She saved the boy from Stonehouse Creek and we understand Pat was given an award for her bravery.
“We would love to hear from anyone who knew this little boy or remembers details of what happened. We know she had a close girl friend who lived next door with the surname of Burrows, so that might spark a memory. It would also be good if someone remembers Pat from her school days – although we don’t know which school she went to at the time.
“We appreciate it was a very long time ago, but because of COVID we have not been able to look through any newspaper archives that may have been published at the time.
“We would love to know more about this brave act for Diana’s sake.”
Sadly, Pat – who married Donald Cunningham and moved to Poole – passed away in 1986.
If any readers can shed more light on the incident please contact info@ cornerstonevision.com
www.plymouthchronicle.co.uk/contact
