Mary Appleton Ledger - 1928
In the chancel of St. Augustine's Church, Northbourne, is a plaque to the memory of Mary Elizabeth Appleton Ledger:
TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF
MARY ELIZABETH
APPLETON LEDGER
BORN AT VINE LODGE NORTHBOURNE
11th JULY 1908
WHO GAVE HER LIFE BY PLUNGING INTO THE ROUGH SEA AT
BOULOGNE-SUR-MER FRANCE IN AN HEROIC THOUGH
UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO SAVE A FRENCHMAN FROM DROWNING
16th JUNE 1928
The Deal, Walmer, Sandwich and East Kent Mercury reports on 7th July 1928:
THE EPILOGUE OF A NEVER-TO-BE-FORGOTTEN TRAGEDY
The heroine of the splendid deed, to which the following translation from "La France du Nord" relates, was a grand-daughter on her mother's side of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Appleton, of Golden Street, Deal, whose family closely, associated with St. George's Church, is held in kindly remembrance by readers who recall their associations with the town. We are indebted to the Rev. Frederick Appleton, of St. John's, Isle of Man, for the translation:
But five days ago, on Saturday June 16th, during a heavy squall from the south-west, which broke fiercely upon our coast, Miss Mary Ledger, a graceful English girl of 19, plunged into the sea to save M. Emile Crispon, a wounded ex-soldier, and his dog, who together were battling with the rough waves. Her act of heroism was repeated by one of her fellow countrymen Mr. Sydney Springay, when she in turn needed rescue.
The facts are too fresh in the memory of all to require repetition. We know the sequel. Cruel beyond measure, all that the sea yielded up was two corpses. (Mr. Sydney Springay, foiled in his brave effort, had been rescued stunned and bruised on the rocks.)
The populace of Boulogne, and, indeed, of all the surrounding district, were deeply stirred. Acts of public homage have followed one another since the day of the drama. The authorities have tendered their condolences to the grief-stricken parents, and made application for a posthumous grant of the gold medal for life saving. As a public act of recognition the town has granted in perpetuity to the family of Mary Ledger a burial plot, which has now been completely covered by innumerable tributes of roses and white flowers.
Miss Ledger was born at Eastry (i.e., Northbourne) in the county of Kent, and for several years had lived with her parents in the Isle of Wight. She loved France with an affection which was only natural, since her father was a native of Lille. Having spent a year at school at Blois, she spoke our language correctly. Her sports were fencing, in which she became expert at school, and swimming. Other sports did not attract her.
Since coming to our city last February, Miss Ledger had given lessons in English to several of the girl residents, by whom she was greatly loved.
Of a serious disposition she was not given to the pleasures of the world, finding a compensation more real in her love of her father and mother. She spent much time in reading both English and French authors, and had thus gained a wide range of knowledge in literature. She was a lover of the arts in general.
Such was the brief life of this brave girl. It is the simple fact that, since the incidents of the drama were known, the public, moved to admiration and recognition, has overflowed with lofty sentiments to the memory of her who, forsaking love of home and her own legitimate hopes, sacrificed her life in the attempt to rescue a man in peril. . . .
The Deal, Walmer, Sandwich and
East Kent Mercury
reports on 22 December 1928:
ENGLISH HEROINE
HONOURED IN FRANCE
A NATIVE OF NORTHBOURNE
It may be recalled that on the 16th June last an English girl of 19 was drowned at Boulogne in a splendid, though unsuccessful, attempt to save another life. The young heroine was Miss Mary Appleton Ledger, a resident, with her parents, of the French seaport. Seeing a Frenchman, who was endeavouring to assist his dog to the shore, in difficulties, she went to his rescue, although a dangerous sea was running, and even for so expert a swimmer as herself the contest with the heavy breakers on a rock-bound shore was an unequal one. After a prolonged struggle both man and girl were swept away and drowned. Mr Sydney Springgay, an official of the Southern Railway Company's cross-channel service, narrowly escaped making a third victim, for in a gallant effort to save the would-be rescuer he received serious injury, and was himself only rescued with difficulty.
The tragedy called forth a great demonstration of sympathy and admiration, which reached a climax recently when posthumous awards were bestowed upon the parents of the dead girl. The Town Hall of Boulogne was filled with a company representative of the official classes and all sections of the population as well as the British colony. On behalf of the President of the Republic, M. Moreau, sub-Prefect of Boulogne, handed to Mr. and Mrs. Ledger the gold medal for life-saving of the French Government in recognition of the courage and devotion of their daughter.
Mr. Bradbrook, the British Vice-Consul, then presented the medal of the Royal Humane Society. The ceremony included also presentation of honours to Mr. Springgay, while two Frenchmen, who effected his rescue, were also recipients of recognition.
Miss Ledger was born at Northbourne, and a tablet to her memory has been placed in the parish church of that village.