British and World Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine Sea Gallantry Medal group of six awarded to First Officer Stephen Wilkinson, Merchant Navy, awarded four medals for his services at the rescue of the officers and crew of the Bradboyne, in the Atlantic, 6 February 1920

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., silver (Stephen Wilkinson “Bradboyne” 6th February 1920) in case of issue; British War and Mercantile Marine Medals (Stephen Wilkinson); Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea, 2nd small type, silver (Chief Officer Stephen Wilkinson, S.S. “Oxonian” 6th February 1920) in Wyon, London case of issue; Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, Marine Medal, 3rd type, silver (To Stephen Wilkinson, First Officer, S/S. “Oxonian” for gallant Service, 6th Feby. 1920) with silver brooch bar (lacking pin), in Elkington, Liverpool case of issue; Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners Royal Benevolent Society, 6th type, silver (Stephen Wilkinson, Chief Officer, S.S. “Oxonian”. February 6. 1920) with ‘double dolphin’ slip bar and brooch bar, in Elkington case of issue, extremely fine (6) £1800-2200

The Bradboyne, of Bedeford, a 5,000 tons cargo steamer, left New York on 29 January 1920 for Cherbourg. During the voyage the ship encountered very wild weather and about 500 miles N.W. of the Azores the ship’s steering gear broke and became useless. The Bradboyne was helpless in a terrific sea. She took a heavy list over to one side and her cargo shifted. Wireless calls for aid were sent out and the steamship Oxonian, of Liverpool (Captain John Wilkinson), came to her aid. In spite of the terrific gale and heavy seas the Oxonian lowered a boat with a volunteer crew which reached the Bradboyne and took on board a number of the crew. Three times the lifeboat was driven under the stern of the Bradboyne before she reached the Oxonian’s side and the men taken on board. In the meantime, another lifeboat had been sent out from the Oxonian and the remainder of the crew of the Bradboyne was taken off. Sadly the lifeboat was driven under the stern of the Bradboyne and was swamped and the occupants hurled into the raging sea. Four of them who were able to swim were at length picked up by the Oxonian, the remainder, including six volunteers from the Oxonian were lost. First Officer Stephen Wilkinson was one of several men of the Oxonian who went over the side of the vessel with ropes in an attempt to rescue the men in the water. When the first lifeboat had discharged its occupants, it was found impossible to secure it to the Oxonian and it drifted away to the stern of the Bradboyne. Into this the captain of the Bradboyne and 2nd Officer jumped, they being the last to leave the stricken ship. The two were picked up by the steamer Monmouth which had arrived after the Oxonian. A total of 13 men of the Bradboyne were lost.

Stephen Wilkinson was one of 17 officers and men of the Oxonian to be awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal in silver for this rescue. Medals were also awarded by Lloyds, the Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society and the Shipwrecked Fishermen & Mariners Royal Benevolent Society. The latter body later voted the rescue the most meritorious and deserving case of the year; as a result of which, the Emile Robin Trust Award was made to Captain John Wilkinson and First Officer Stephen Wilkinson.

With copied Board of Trade letter of notification of the award of the S.G.M., 10 August 1920; copied forwarding slips for the British War and Mercantile Marine Medals and copied newspaper clippings.