A Quiver Medal for Heroic Conduct in Saving Life awarded to Captain James Hood, Merchant Navy

‘Quiver’ Medal for Heroic Conduct in Saving Life, silver (Captain J. Hood, 1898) mounted as worn from its distinctive ribbon, in West & McCullock, London case of issue, minor edge bruising, nearly extremely fine £700-800

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. 167.

Extract from The Quiver, 1899:

‘Captain James Hood, of the London tug Simla, who, on October 17th last, was by his self-sacrificing courage and presence of mind instumental in saving twelve members of the crew of the Blengfell off Margate. The circumstances attending the conspicuous act of Captain Hood are probably still fresh in the minds of all our readers, and it is only a question to recall that on the day in question his tug was in attendance on the naphtha ship Blengfell, when the latter vessel was suddenly rent in two by a terrific explosion, which resulted in the sudden death of the captain of the doomed ship, his wife and child, and six other persons. Hood immediately saw that the only way to save the men left on the wreck and those struggling in the sea was to steam right alongside the burning ship, there being no time to lower boats. This he courageously did in the face of several minor explosions, and knowing full well that at any moment the remaining barrels of naphtha might ignite and blow his vessel to pieces. Fortunately he was successful in rescuing the survivors, and was able to steam away in safety from the burning ship. ...’

See also The Quiver Medal, by Bill Fevyer, L.S.A.R.S.J. No.23, p.4-32.