To rescue a fellow mortal from a watery grave, from a burning building or under other exceptional circumstances requires the display of personal bravery and lack of regard for the safety of the rescuer. To risk all, to and to face death to save a mate, is often heard of. These deeds are rewarded by public recognition but are often undertaken in the sudden emergency of the moment. However, the bravery of a young boy who’s resolve to do all to save his brother, after due time for reflection of several days, must in the eyes of the public be equally meritorious. This is the story of how a mere boy who after days to give the matter cool deliberation adhered unhesitatingly to his determination to go under the surgeons operating knife and to his detriment give to his brother his flesh and blood.
James Sexton with his wife Annie and children Phyllis and Jack in 1927.
This is what happened on that fateful day:- Friday 20th April 1906
An accident which resulted in the death of Thomas Richard NEWBY, fireman, and injuries to Henry SEXTON, driver and an Italian named TINA occurred on the Kurrawang on Friday night between 8 and 9pm when a train consisting of two engines and a number of laden trucks and water tanks, was on its way from No 9 camp to Kurrawang.
The train was made up of 10 trucks and the engine ‘Sadie’ after which came 4 water tanks followed by the engine ‘Kurrawang’, 9 empty, 34 loaded trucks of wood and two empty government trucks. The train left No 9 camp, 41 miles from Kurrawang at about 6pm and stopped at the 15 mile siding to pick up more trucks. The journey then continued on a downward grade and it was when on the up grade the accident occurred. The guard, Thomas BROWN, saw one of the trucks in the front portion of the train shoot in the air and called for those on the engine to jump for their lives. The manager of the Goldfields Firewood Company, Mr W Leslie, with the fireman and the driver jumped off and escaped injury. The driver escaped with a broken leg and severe burns. As a result of the first derailment all of the trucks from the 9th back from the engine, were thrown off and smashed blocking the way.
The engine ‘Kurrawang’ pushed on telescoping the water tanks which were scattered around. Some of the wheels were left on the line and the ‘Kurrawang’ ran these beneath the tender of the ‘Sadie’. The fireman and the driver were pinned between the two in such a position that abdomen and legs were pressed against the heated door of the fire-box. Newby suffered dreadful agony and only lived for about two hours during this time he implored those around him to kill him and end his sufferings. He was not released till 6.20 on Saturday.
Western Argus 24th April 1906
A man named Philip DYKE ran from the scene of the accident, a distance of 7 miles to Kurrawang, for where a telephone message was sent to the Kalgoorlie police. Constable JAMES left Kalgoorlie by the 6am train and continued on to the 7 mile where the accident had occurred. In order to release the body of Newby it was necessary to build a loopline around the derailed trucks. Some 40 men were engaged in the work. When Newby’s body was recovered it was found to be burned from the abdomen to the knees. Some coin in the deceased pockets were partially melted. The body was conveyed to the mortuary for a post mortem conducted by Dr Frankhousen acting surgeon. The deceased was 26yrs of age and from Shepperton Vic and had only been married 12 months. He leaves his wife and a seven day old child.
The train driver, aged only 22yrs, Harry Sexton, had two broken legs and extensive burns. He was also pinned against the engine for several hours but was able to free himself with a crowbar. His injuries were so severe his life was despaired of. The steam had scalded of the skin to such an extent some of the internal organs were exposed. Although his injuries to his broken legs healed quickly it was his burns that gave rise to the most concern. Dr Barber decided that in order for Mr Sexton not to become a complete cripple extensive skin grafts were necessary.
The first of the procedures was to take skin from the arms and the uninjured leg of the patient. In addition to this three brothers and an uncle submitted to skin being removed for the patient and also 40 pounds was raised to purchase skin from other donors. The brother, by the name of James Sexton who was only 15yrs of age, from whom the largest portion of skin was removed had to be chloroformed on three occasions. When his tutor asked the young man if he would be willing to help he agreed without hesitation. Harry Sexton was to have a total of 31 operations and to remain in hospital for the better part of a year.
The Royal Humane Society was to award young James this medal for his bravery in undergoing several operations and risk his own life to save his brother. He would bear the scars for the rest of his life but with the knowledge that his sacrifice was not in vain. His brother lived and was able to resume a normal life. No compensation was ever awarded to him
James Sexton Medal
Moya Sharp
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