Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Sea Gallantry Medal group of four awarded to Fireman James Leonard O’Kane, for swimming ashore in a heavy sea and bringing news of the stranding of the trawler Nordale on the Kintyre Peninsula, 1942

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, bronze (James Leonard O’Kane “Nordale” 15th January 1942) in damaged case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, these three unnamed, good very fine, rare (3) £600-700

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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Ref. Spink Exhibition 1985, No. 122.

The Sea Gallantry Medal, G.VI.R. 1st issue was awarded during the period 1940-47. A total of 7 silver and 13 bronze medals were awarded during that period.

‘The steam trawler Nordale with a crew of 13 hands was on a voyage from Fleetwood to the fishing grounds, Donegal Bay, and ran aground at Carskey, on the south side of Kintyre at 6.20 a.m. on 15th January, 1942. At this time the wind was very strong from the south-east, with flood tide and a very heavy sea. An attempt was made to launch the small boat, but failed owing to the heavy sea breaking over all, and the Skipper took all the crew to the bow of the ship, this being the safest place on board. During the forenoon Fireman O’Kane asked permission to make an attempt to get ashore and try for assistance, as, at that time none appeared to be forthcoming. A rope was paid out over the bow, and O’Kane slid down this into the heavy seas. After a struggle, he succeeded in getting ashore. He then called to the crew to remain where they were while he went to get help. When he reached the shore, he was doubled up with the effort of swimming. Nevertheless, he scaled a steep cliff and ran two and half miles to seek assistance for his shipmates. During the whole of the time he was with bare feet. O’Kane succeeded in making his way to a shepherd’s cottage, and by this time he was in a state of great exhaustion, but was able to communicate to the shepherd that his vessel was ashore and the crew needed help. This shepherd was on his way to give the alarm when he encountered the coastguard personnel, who had already observed indications that a vessel was in distress and were searching for her.

Proceeding to the position indicated, ... Rocket apparatus was rigged, and in the late afternoon, all the crew remaining on board, numbering seven, were rescued by this means. Five lives had been lost before the arrival of the rescuers - one member of the crew had been washed overboard by the heavy seas, two had collapsed and died on deck, and two had been swept away in attempts to swim ashore.

.... Fireman O’Kane performed a very gallant and meritorious act in jumping overboard, swimming ashore in a rough sea, and scaling cliffs to fetch assistance’.

James Leonard O’Kane was presented with the S.G.M. in bronze by the King on 27 October 1942. Sold with copied research.