Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (John Gardiner, 23rd July 1964) with bronze buckle on ribbon, extremely fine £120-160

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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‘John Gardiner (19), a labourer, witnessed Christine Hodgson (22), unemployed, jump from the centre of Westminster Bridge, London at 2.05 a.m. Stripping to his trousers and socks, he dived down 25 feet head first from the bridge. He swam 25 yards to the woman who struggled with him, holding her until she became unconscious and continuing to support her until both were rescued by a police launch 130 yards from shore. In all, Gardiner was in the water for 15 minutes, swimming a distance of 325 yards’ (Ref. R.H.S. Case No. 69,542). Sold with copied research.