Orders, Decorations and Medals

Three: Able Seaman John Cashman, Royal Navy

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Pegu (John Cashman, A.B. “Fox” ); Royal Humane Society, large bronze medal (successful) (John Cashman, H.M.S. Worcester, vit ob. serv. d.d. Soc. Reg. Hvm., 28 Feb. 1865); London Swimming Club Medal, V.R., silver, reverse inscribed, (To John Cashman, Gunner, Training Ship “Worcester” in admiration of his gallantry in saving several cadets from drowning off Erith, Feb. 28. 1865) minor edge bruising, very fine and better (3) £400-500

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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Collection

Ex Dawson Collection; ref Spink Exhibition 1985, No. 22.

On 28 February 1865, John Cashman, Bosun of the Training Ship Worcester based on the River Thames at Erith, saved Gerard Clough and four other cadets from the Worcester when their boat was upset. Cashman, swimming to their relief, supported them until assistance came. (Ref. R.H.S. Case No. 17,483).

In passing, it should be noted that the Training Ship Worcester was not having a particularly good day on the 28th February. For in addition to the above, a further six cadets of the Worcester got into trouble off Erith on the same day. On this occasion five of the six were successfully rescued by nearby boatmen. The six boatmen involved were each awarded a pecuniary reward. Sold with copied research. The medals were illustrated in a short article by Bill Fevyer in the L.S.A.R.S. Journal No. 41, p. 28-29; with additional notes in L.S.A.R.S.J. No. 42, p. 68.