Orders, Decorations and Medals

A good B.E.M. for Gallantry awarded to Constable Richard Honey, Metropolitan Police
British Empire Medal for Gallantry (Civil) E.II.R. (Richard Honey) fitted with oak leaf gallantry emblem on ribbon and contained in its case of issue, together with ribbon bar and original London Gazette supplement, nearly extremely fine

B.E.M. for Gallantry London Gazette 9 December, 1969: ‘A young man, standing on the outside of a parapet of a bridge threatened to jump off. Constable Honey, Constable Lennox and Fireman Novak were among those who were called to the scene where the man was standing outside the parapet on a ledge about 8 inches wide, threatening to jump to the roadway below, a distance of 92 feet. Several attempts were made to persuade the man, who was in a very distressed condition, to climb back onto the bridge but without success. The parapet of this bridge is surmounted by an open-work metal balustrade topped by a metal spindle with revolving spikes. The man who was showing signs of mental and physical deterioration, made an attempt to jump from the bridge. However, two people on the bridge managed to lean through the balustrade and grab the man by his clothing, but he immediately started to struggle out of his clothing and had he managed to do this there is no doubt that he would have jumped from the bridge. At this juncture Constable Honey climbed over the balustrade on to the ledge of the parapet and grabbed hold of the man, putting his left arm across his chest and pushing him backwards against the side of the bridge. He was followed immediately by Constable Lennox who supported him in this unstable position. At the same time Fireman Novak climbed over the balustrade at the other side of the man and put his right arm across him. The man was now struggling and kicking violently and the rescuers had great difficulty in retaining their foothold on the parapet and their handhold on the balustrade, both of which were wet and slippery. In the ensuing struggle each of the rescuers lost his foothold on more than one occasion. At one point, Constable Honey’s legs were kicked from under him and, as he slipped, Lennox caught hold of his right wrist and held him until he had regained his balance. Eventually a rope was provided and whilst Constable Lennox supported Honey with a firm hold on his wrist, Honey and Fireman Novak each used his free hand and his teeth to tie the man. When they were satisfied that he was securely bound, he was moved a few feet along the ledge to a place where he could be hauled over the railings to safety. Police Constables Honey and Lennox and Fireman Novak put themselves at very serious risk in saving the young man’s life. Although fully aware of the danger of falling or being dragged or thrown to their deaths, the three men were not deterred and showed great courage in restraining a man who was making a determined effort to jump.’