Orders, Decorations and Medals

Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (Chas. Metcalf, Boy, Ship “Cumberland”, 16th July 1888. Dup.), with bronze buckle on ribbon, minor edge bruising, very fine £60-80

‘William Pitkeathly (Boy of H.M.S. Cumberland) was on the lower boom with all his clothes and oilskins on, when he slipped and fell overboard. He was not able to swim, a strong tide was running and a strong breeze. Metcalf (aged 13) and Waddell (aged 14) undressed and jumped from the lower deck into the water and reaching their shipmate held him until a boat was sent to their assistance’. Both Metcalf and Waddell were awarded the R.H.S. Medal in Bronze. Ref. R.H.S. Case No. 24012.

The training ship, H.M.S. Cumberland was moored at Helensburgh in Dunbartonshire on the northern shore of the Firth of Clyde.