Royal National Lifeboat Institution, V.R., silver (Mr. Alexr. Forbes, Voted 4th June 1863) good very fine £250-300

Alexander Forbes, Shipbuilder, Peterhead (silver medal), and Godfrey Bosville McDonald Beatson, Inspecting Chief Officer, H.M. Coastguard, Fraserburgh (silver clasp), voted 4th June 1863:

‘12 April 1863: During a heavy gale and in high surf, the Liverpool ship Genoa was wrecked on Rattray Brigg Rocks, in Rattray Bay, north of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. Together with five coastguardmen, Messrs. Beatson and Forbes saved 11 of the ship’s crew of 14. The Fraserburgh lifeboat put off but, after 15 miles pulling against heavy seas and a headwind, arrived after the service had been completed.’