Orders, Decorations and Medals

U.S.A., Allied Theatrical Interests and Neptune Association Medal to the Crew of S.S. President Roosevelt 1926, 32mm., bronze, reverse inscribed (name engraved), ‘Presented to C. Heldewig in recognition of Gallantry and Humanity in connection with the rescue of the S.S. Antinoe Feb. 19 1926’, nearly extremely fine £100-150

The New Egypt & Levant Steamship Company freighter Antinoe, 3,747 tons, was en-route from New York to Queenstown, with a cargo of grain, under the command of Captain Harry Tose with a crew of 25. On 23 January 1926 having run into a heavy gale, she was struck by an extremely large wave. The wave burst upon the vessel damaging the steering gear and engine, and carried away the dingy. Becoming unmanageable and developing a list an S.O.S. message was broadcast. The call was received by Newfoundland and relayed, being picked up by the R.M.S. Aquitania which passed it on to the President Roosevelt of the United States Line, under the command of Captain Fried. The President Roosevelt made contact with the Antinoe at 12.30 on 24 January. After pumping oil into the sea she attempted to launch a boat. This ended in tragedy as the boat was smashed against the sides of the ship and two of the crew were drowned. At 9 p.m. the weather worsened, and in violent snow squalls, the two ships lost touch. Over 18 hours later through the skill and perseverance of Captain Fried the President Roosevelt regained contact with the Antinoe. In the interim, the situation of the ship had deteriorated, with a derrick breaking loose and causing damage and the engines completely stopped. In this perilous situation Captain Tose decided to abandon ship. Five successive attempts were made by the President Roosevelt to drift lifeboats down to the Antinoe attached to a line, each without success. Similarly, attempts to send a line by rocket also failed. On 27 June, the weather having improved slightly, a boat from the President Roosevelt at last managed to take off some of the crew of the Antinoe. In the early hours of the next day a second boat took off Captain Tose and the remaining crew and the Antinoe was abandoned and left to sink.

The Captain and crew of the President Roosevelt were the recipients of the thanks of the British Government and the congratulations of the Admiralty. A letter of thanks was also sent by King George V to President Coolidge. The owners of the Antinoe made a presentation to Captain Fried and his men. (Dictionary of Disaster at Sea refers). Captain Fried was also awarded the Navy Cross for this action.