Of Tragedy and Valor
Cyril Vernon Rumbelow

Cyril Vernon Rumbelow
1914 - 1982
Descendant of Malen Rumbelow 2nd

Cyril Vernon Rumbelow was born at Encounter Bay on 18th October 1914, the son of Cain Jelliff Rumbelow & Susannah Martha Rumbelow. He became a linesman with the Electricity Trust of South Australia (ETSA) at Victor Harbor.

On 9th February 1934, whilst returning from Port Elliot, Cyril, then aged 19, rescued a farmer, Mr. H L Dent, who was being gored by a bull. Armed only with a tomahawk, he attacked the raging bull and drove it away thus saving the farmer from a gory death. For this brave act Cyril was awarded a Bronze Medal by the Royal Humane Society of Australia.

Cyril married Aileen Constance McShane on 14th November 1936. Cyril and Connie had one son together, Carl.

Cyril moved to Adelaide where his skill led to an 11 year posting as an instructor at the ETSA Training Centre for Linesmen. He was often called out at weekends when high-tension modifications were made to the supply grid due to his bravery and skill.

Cyril remarried in 1946 to Daisy Warren.

Cyril passed away in 1982 aged 68.

Surname RUMBELOW

Given names CYRIL VERNON

Cemetery name Victor Harbor

Cemetery section GENERAL

Grave row ROW 39

Plot 3738

Date of death 3/04/1982

Date of burial 6/04/1982

Type of interment Burial

Permit number 992

Burial number 2192

RESCUED FROM BULL.

PROBABLY some of us are likely to observe too casually the deed of Cyril Rumbelow during the week, in running, singlehanded, and armed only with a tomahawk, to the aid of M. H. L. Dent, who was being gored by a bull.

The incident took my mind back to a similar case elsewhere in the State a few months ago, but where the papers were obliged to announce that two men stood outside the fence powerless to lend any assistance — or words to that effect.

Messrs. J. K. Abbott and S. L. Penalurick also performed with pluck in going to the distressed man’s assistance, but we should all take off our hats to “Mick’’ Rumbelow for his gallant action.

The The trips between Elliot and Victor by these H.E. Co. employees are becoming quite eventful, with snake killings, bull fighting, fire fighting, and their latest discovery was that nine electric light poles had been struck by lightning in Sunday evening’s storm. The poles were all within a quarter of a mile of each other, but some remained intact between those which were splintered. Emphatic denial has been given it might be well to state, to the rumours that the men had received cables from prospective employers (amusement promoters) in Spain.

Recognition of Bravery

S.A. Awards In Royal Humane Society List

Bravery displayed in saving and attempting to save life is recognised in a list of awards, which have been made by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia. The South Australian awards are: Cyril Vernon Rumbelow, of Victor Harbour, for his action in saving Mr. H. L. Dent from an attack by a bull.

ONE HIT KILLS TWO SNAKES

Tue 6 Feb 1934

Chasing One, Man is Attacked

ADELAIDE, Tuesday. Cyril Rumbelow, killed two snakes with one blow of a pick today on the Port Elliott Road. He was driving in a lorry when he saw one snake. He pulled up, and as he followed it another attacked him.

Man Injured Near Victor Harbor

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1931-1954)
Saturday 10 February 1934

While returning from Port Elliot this afternoon, two employees of the Victor Harbour Electricity Company, Messrs. Len Penalurick and Cyril Rumbelow, noticed a bull apparently on top of a man. Seizing an axe, Mr. Rumbelow rushed across a paddock and found Mr. H. L. Dent, a farmer, of Port Elliot, being attacked bv an infuriated Ayreshire bull. He hit the animal across the head and it momentarily left Mr. Dent, who rushed and took the axe from Mr. Rumbelow.

Before he could use it, however, the animal tossed him 15 feet in the air. Mr Rumbelow gained possession of the axe again, and dealt the animal another blow, but in the meantime Mr. Penalurick and Mr James Abbot, who was driving high school children home along the road, arrived.

With a ladder, they kept the animal at bay, and it made off into the paddock. Mr. Dent was then helped outside the paddock fence. Dr. Douglas, of Victor Harbor, was sent for, and Mr. Dent was taken to the South Coast District Hospital, suffering considerably from bruises and shock. Mr. Dent said that the bull had charged him while he was driving cows in the paddock, and he had hung on to the chain around his horns and held him in that position for at least a quarter of an hour before help arrived.

Mr. Cyril Rumbelow showed great pluck in attacking the bull, as he was forced to approach him across an open paddock."

Humane Award Sought For Cyril Rumbelow

The Mail (Adelaide, SA: 1912-1954) Saturday 10 February 1934 Page

VICTOR HARBOR, Saturday.— It is confidently expected at Victor Harbor that Mr. Cyril Rumbelow, who yesterday attacked an infuriated Ayreshire bull which was goring Mr. H. L. Dent, a Port Elliot farmer, will be recommended for an award at the Royal Humane Society. The town clerk (Mr. A. H. Warland) said today that Mr. Rumbelow's feat was worthy of recognition, and that the council would discuss a recommendation to the society at its next meeting. The condition of Mr Dent, who was admitted to the South Coast District Hospital with severe bruises, was today stated to be satisfactory. Mr. Lionel Rumbelow, a cousin of Cyril, received a Royal Humane award in 1925 for saving a man whose boat had been dashed against a reef at Encounter Bay."

Death Notice RUMBELOW, Cyril Vernon, of Encounter Bay.

Suddenly on April 3rd at home. Dearly beloved husband of Thelma, and the late Dais. Loving father of Lynn, son-in-law Ray and step-father of Merrilyn, Heather and Stephen. Step-father-in-law of John, Dennis and Kerry.

Beloved Poppa of 8 grand-children. In his 68th year. Too dearly loved to be forgotten.

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