Orders, Decorations and Medals

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, silver (Alexander Forbes. Wreck of the “Genoa” on the 12th April 1863) in case of issue, minor contact marks, good very fine £450-550

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Life Saving Awards formed by The Late W.H. Fevyer.

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‘The Genoa of Liverpool, from Shields for Rio de Janeiro with coals, struck on the Briggs of Rattray Head during a dense fog. Three of her crew, in attempting to reach the shore, were drowned. The survivors (ten) were rescued by the Coastguard, at great personal risk, by means of the Coastguard boat, which was hauled off to the wreck by a rocket line. On several previous occasions Mr Beatson and Mr Forbes had rendered very important and gallant services’. (Ref. P.R.O. BT.261.1).

For this rescue, silver medals were awarded to Mr G. B. M. Beatson, Inspecting Officer of Coastguard, Fraserburgh, and to Mr A. Forbes, ship builder, Peterhead; five bronze medals were awarded to coastguard boatmen.