Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine life saving pair awarded to Lieutenant, later Admiral Sir Richard Webb, K.C.M.G., C.B., Royal Navy

Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea, 2nd type, silver (Lieut. Richard Webb, R.N. 4th February 1898); Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (Lieut., R.N. 4th Feb. 1898) complete with bronze ribbon buckle, good very fine (2) £400-500

‘Lieut. of H.M.S. Magnificent 4th February, 1898. For a gallant act performed in Portland Roads, when during a gale and heavy sea the Admiral’s steam barge struck the ship’s side and two of the crew were thrown into the sea. One managed to clutch a rope, but Ord. Smn. D. Flynn failed to grasp three lifebuoys thrown to him, and must have drowned but for the prompt action of the officer, who, only divesting himself of his great-coat and sea-boots, plunged in, and after swimming some 30 yards, caught the man and supported him until they were picked up by the crew of the cutter.’ Ref. R.H.S. Case No. 29,316.

Admiral Sir Richard Webb was born in 1870, and was educated at Fonthill, Wiltshire and H.M.S. Britannia. Midshipman 1885; obtained four 1st class certificates; Lieut. 1891; Commander 1902; Captain 1907; Rear-Admiral 1918; Vice-Admiral 1924; Admiral 1928; Commanded Amethyst on east coast of South America 1909-11; R.N. War College 1911-13; Illustrious 1913; Director of Trade Division, Admiralty War Staff 1914-17; commanded New Zealand in Grand Fleet 1917-18; Asst. High Commissioner to Turkey 1918-20; commanded 4th Battle Squadron in Mediterranean 1920-22; Naval A.D.C. to the King 1917-18; Head of Naval Mission to Greece 1924-25; President of R.N. College, Greenwich, and of the R.N. War College 1926-29; retired list 1929. K.C.M.G. 1920; C.B. (Civil) 1915; Orders of the Legion of Honour, Sword of Sweden, St Anne of Russia, and Redeemer of Greece; died in 1950. Sold with copied service papers.