Orders, Decorations and Medals

Royal Humane Society, small silver medal (unsuccessful) (R. Brooke, R.N.R., March 22, 1901) with silver buckle on ribbon, scratch to obverse, slight edge bruise, otherwise good very fine £140-180

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. 18.

‘On the morning of the 22nd March, 1901, the S.S. Taher in trying to enter the harbour at Port Louis, Mauritius, struck the reef on the outer side of Barkly Island. There was a heavy ground swell at the time, with the surf setting on to the reef. From the moment of striking the seas broke clean over the fated ship. There were in all eighty-eight persons on board, a number of whom jumped overboard, or tried to save themselves in a boat which was carried away from the davits.

It being practically impossible to approach the wreck from the island owing to the tremendous surf, it was decided to attempt the rescue from the seaward side. Volunteers were accordingly called for from English ships in the harbour, and fourteen men were selected from those responding to the call, two lifeboats were manned, and under the guidance of an experienced pilot endeavoured to reach the vessel. Unfortunately both boats were capsized in the surf and three of the brave occupants drowned, the other twelve, including the pilot, being washed on shore, all of them suffering severe injuries. Seventeen of those on board the Taher were lost’. (Ref. R.H.S. Case No. 31,232; Acts of Gallantry, Vol.2). For other medals for this rescue, see lot 12.