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Mr. Paul Edwards

Ucluelet, British Columbia

Decorations for Bravery

  • Medal of Bravery

    Awarded on: 1972-08-24
    Invested on: 1973-11-30
    Paul Edwards, M.B. Medal of Bravery On July 12, 1969, about a mile off the coast of Vancouver Island near Long Beach, a 17-foot boat with ten persons aboard was struck by a huge wave and capsized. All attempted to cling to the overturned craft but before help arrived three of the occupants including two children drowned and a third child later died from exposure. A distress call was heard by Paul's grandfather whose fishing trawler was anchored in the lea of a nearby island. He located the overturned boat in relatively shallow water but treacherous rocks close to the surface made the situation extremely hazardous. The grandfather, who was 69 years of age, had only 17-year-old Paul as crew. He elected to risk his vessel and their lives in these dangerous waters. He held the stern of his boat seaward while Paul hauled the five children to safety. Then, crawling out on an extended trolling pole, Paul succeeded in hoisting one of the adults aboard. Finally, the grandfather left the controls in order to help in rescuing the last adult.