Auction Catalogue

25 September 2008

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations and Medals

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

Lot

№ 14

.

25 September 2008

Estimate: £400–£450

A Sea Gallantry Medal group of four awarded to Skipper F. Fearnley, Royal Naval Reserve

Sea Gallantry Medal, E.VII.R., small 2nd issue, bronze (Frank Fearnley, “Swan” 10th August 1907); 1914-15 Star (590 W.S.A. F. Fearnley, Skr., R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (590 W.S.A. F. Fearnley, Skr., R.N.R.) mounted for wear, very fine and better (4) £400-450

Ref. Spink Exhibition 1985, No. 106.

‘While the
Swan was off the Western Isles, Iceland on 10th August 1907, Walter Carnazza, aged 10 years, son of the skipper of the Swan fell overboard. Fearnley sprang overboard fully dressed and swam towards the boy but before he could reach him the lad sank and was drowned. There was a heavy swell at the time and considerable risk was incurred’.

Frank Fearnley, Second Hand of the steam trawler
Swan of Hull was awarded the S.G.M. in bronze for the attempted rescue.