Daily Mail front page from October 1988
A teacher who tragically died whilst saving approximately 50 children from drowning on a school trip has been awarded an Elizabeth Emblem.
Bernard Butt was on a school trip to Egypt in 1988. Until his tragic death, Mr Butt was teaching at the former TP Riley Comprehensive School, now Walsall Academy, in Bloxwich. The school trip had been organised as part of the school’s history studies.
It was on that trip where a SS Jupiter cruise liner ship collided with a cargo ship near Piraeus in Greece, and within 40 minutes, the boat had entirely sunk.
In the emergency, Mr Butt helped approximately 50 children to safety despite the fact he could not swim. Tragically, he was unable to save himself, and his body was never found.
Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Children’s, Families and Lifelong Learning at Walsall Council was taught by Mr Butt during his time at TP Riley school.
“ It’s never too late to recognise an unsung hero, and thirty-six years later, I’m delighted that Mr Butt has been nationally recognised for his heroism.
This story is nothing short of a phenomenal act of bravery and selflessness. Bernard paid the ultimate sacrifice and as a local community, we have been campaigning to ensure his story rightly lives on, and this award will do that.
There are so many stories about Bernard, his character, and what an amazing teacher he was. There are also heart-wrenching accounts from survivors from the ship that evening, and this award will bring great comfort to all those who knew and admired Bernard. “
Councillor Mark Statham, Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning
Walsall Council
In March 2024, the Government announced the introduction of The Elizabeth Emblem. This commemorative emblem is awarded as a mark of recognition to the family members of those who died in public service.