Orders, Decorations and Medals

Royal Humane Society, small silver medal (successful) (Robert Lawrence, A.B. 3rd July 1877), complete with silver buckle on ribbon, in Warrington, London case of issue, minor edge bruise, nearly extremely fine £240-280

Case 20199: ‘When off Port Said, on 3rd July, 1877, a cry of “Man overboard!” was raised on board H.M.S. Research. Engines were at once stopped and reversed, when Henry Godwin, A.B., drifted past, just under water, with one hand raised. At this moment Brant jumped overboard from the hammock nettings, followed by Lawrence. They both swam towards Godwin, who was still under water. At this moment a middle sized hammer-headed shark was observed fifteen or twenty yards from the men, swimming rapidly, the three men in the water drifted about four hundred yards astern, where they were picked up by the life-boat. Godwin’s life was most undoubtedly saved by the two men, as all three were thoroughly exhausted when brought on board’ (Ref: Acts of Gallantry, Vol. 2, by William Fevyer). Both Lieutenant James Brant, R.N. and Able Seaman Robert Lawrence, R.N. were awarded the R.H.S. Silver Medal.

Robert Lawrence was born in Manchester on 3 February 1856. He entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class aboard the Ganges on 1 January 1873. Advanced to Boy 1st Class in May 1873, he was promoted to Ordinary Seaman whilst on the Pallas in March 1874. Lawrence joined the Research in August 1874 and was advanced to Able Seaman in August 1875. After a brief spell on the Hibernia, August-November 1875, he returned to the Research, November 1875-August 1879, being promoted to Leading Seaman soon after his gallant rescue exploits in August 1877, and then to Petty Officer 2nd Class in November the same year. He returned to the rank of Able Seaman during March-August 1879, before his last posting aboard the Royal Adelaide, August-October 1879. Sold with the copied service papers of both Lawrence and Brant.