Orders, Decorations and Medals

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, bronze (John Starke, Wreck of the Austrian Brig “Uredan” off Guilleen on 27th Jany. 1861) edge bruising, nearly very fine £250-300

‘The Austrian brig Uredon (sic) drove on to outlying rocks on the shore near Guileen, Co. Cork, Ireland, having missed Cork harbour during a heavy gale. Lieutenant Goss and Mr Starke, with eight of their men, positioned the rocket apparatus and, by this means, saved 12 of the brig’s 13 man crew’ (ref. Lifeboat Gallantry, by Barry Cox).

For this action, Thomas Goss, Lieutenant, R.N., Inspecting Commander H.M. Coastguard, Queenstown, and John Starke, Chief Boatman, H.M. Coastguard, Queenstown, were both awarded the R.N.L.I. Medal in Silver.