Medals given to 'hero' Yarmouth firefighter to go on display to mark 1953 Floods anniversary
Fred Sadd saved 27 lives in the town almost 70 years ago
Last updated 26th Jan 2023
Medals belonging to a 'hero' Great Yarmouth firefighter who saved 27 lives during the 1953 North Sea floods are going on display.
Fred Sadd rescued people marooned in their homes as the waters rose on the night of January 31. plunging into the water to rescue women and children who were trapped.
He later used a fisherman's boat to get further people to safety.
The 1953 storm surge saw more than 300 lives lost in Norfolk and Suffolk, with thousands more losing their homes and livelihoods.
Fred was awarded the George Medal by Queen Elizabeth II for his heroic role during the floods.
He was also given the Exemplary Fire Service Medal and the Defence Medal.
His awards will be unveiled to the public at Great Yarmouth Town Hall at a special ceremony at 12:30pm on January 31 - almost exactly 70 years on from the flood.
A service of remembrance will take place at Great Yarmouth Minister at 3pm.
Councillor Robert Price MBE, who is the owner of the medals and a distant relative of Mr Sadd, said:
"It is an absolute honour to be a relative of a local hero who played such a courageous part in helping save the lives of nearly 30 people."