A Sea Gallantry Medal group of three awarded to Third Engineer Arthur Malabar, Merchant Navy, for services at the wreck of the Bradboyne, 1920

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., silver (Arthur Malabar “Bradboyne” 6th February 1920); British War and Mercantile Marine Medals (Arthur Malabar) mounted court style for wear, very fine and better (3) £450-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Life Saving Awards formed by The Late W.H. Fevyer.

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Ref. Spink Exhibition 1985, No. 114.

The Bradboyne, a 5,000 tons cargo steamer, left New York on 29 January 1920 for Cherbourg. During the voyage the ship encountered very wild weather and about 500 miles N.W. of the Azores the ship’s steering gear broke and became useless. The Bradboyne was helpless in a terrific sea. She took a heavy list over to one side and her cargo shifted. Wireless calls for aid were sent out and the Oxonian came to her aid. In spite of the terrific gale and heavy seas the Oxonian lowered a boat with a volunteer crew which reached the Bradboyne and took on board a number of the crew. Three times the lifeboat was driven under the stern of the Bradboyne before she reached the Oxonian’s side and the men taken on board. In the meantime, another lifeboat had been sent out from the Oxonian and the remainder of the crew Bradboyne taken off. Sadly the lifeboat was driven under the stern of the Bradboyne and was swamped and the occupants hurled into the raging sea. Four of them who were able to swim were at length picked up by the Oxonian, the remainder, including six volunteers from the Oxonian were lost. When the first lifeboat had discharged its occupants, it was found impossible to secure it to the Oxonian and it drifted away to the stern of the Bradboyne. Into this the captain of the Bradboyne and 2nd Officer jumped, they being the last to leave the striken ship. The two were picked up by the steamer Monmouth which had arrived after the Oxonian. A total of 13 men of the Bradboyne were lost. Sold with copied research.