Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (unsuccessful), (Qr. Mr. Sergt. W. H. Sidwell, 30th Nov. 1896.) lacking ribbon buckle, extremely fine £100-£140

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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R.H.S. Case No. 29240:

‘At great personal risk, gallantly attempted to rescue R. Tailford, who was unfortunately drowned at Tynemouth, 30th November, 1897.’

Quartermaster-Sergeant Sidwell, Army Ordnance Corps, and Bombardier J. Law, R.A., at great personal risk, gallantly attempted to rescue R. Tailford, who was drowned at Tynemouth on 30 November 1896. The recipient was aged 36 at the time. Tailford was seen struggling in the sea off Tynemouth at 9.30 a.m.; he was about 100 yards out in 10 feet of water. A heavy sea was running and the water was very cold. Both men went down a steep cliff and swam out to him; however owing to the rough sea they could not effect the rescue and returned to the shore in an exhausted state. The case was sent to the Royal Humane Society by the O.C. at Tynemouth.’