Orders, Decorations and Medals

An Answers Medal for Heroism awarded to Daniel Ryder

‘Answers’ Medal for Heroism, silver (Daniel Ryder, 10th June 1892) very fine £350-450

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. 165.

Extract from Answers 19 March 1892:

‘The First Award - The first application made was on behalf of Daniel Ryder, a London crossing sweeper, and, after an interview with Mr Ryder, and careful investigation, we have decided to make him the recipient of our first medal. The medals, however, are not yet ready, but as soon as they are finished we shall present them.

On October 23rd 1891, a hansom-cab horse took fright, and bolted at a terrific rate down Waterloo Place, making direct for the flight of steps at the end of Carlton House Terrace. Had it not been for Daniel Ryder, who, at imminent risk to his life, and at the critical moment, sprang to the horses head, and taking hold of the reins succeeded in pulling him up within a few feet of the steps, the horse, cab and occupants would have been precipitated to the bottom. Fortunately, however, owing to this act of bravery the occupants escaped unhurt.

On February 16th 1892, Daniel Ryder again distinguished himself. As a loaded van was descending Waterloo Place, the horse took fright and bolted. Several vehicles narrowly escaped collision, as, owing to the state of the ground, the drivers experienced greatest difficulty in pulling up. At the junction of Waterloo Place and Pall Mall the affrighted animal, whose speed was increased by the shouts of the spectators, turned to the right and proceeded along Pall Mall on the wrong side of the road. Ryder, who happened to be coming in the oposite direction, pluckily sprang to the horse’s head, grasped the reins, and succeeded in pulling him up after a short struggle, in the course of which the horse and van got onto the pavement.

We consider that these acts of Daniel Ryder deserve public recognition, and although his application was made four days before we were first open to such, we have decided to present him with the first Answers Medal’.

Ref. Further Notes on the Answers Medal, by W. H. Fevyer, L.S.A.R.S.J. No.6, p.6-10.