Auction Catalogue

1 December 2010

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations and Medals

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

Lot

№ 449 x

.

1 December 2010

Hammer Price:
£390

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, bronze (Robt. Kendall, Wreck of the “Catherine” of Belfast, on 4th Septr. 1864) slight edge bruising, good very fine £250-300

Ex Edrington Collection.

‘The crew of the
Catherine of Belfast had taken to the rigging in consequence of the stranding of their vessel, and she being too far from the shore for the rocket lines to reach her. Mr Lindsay, Collector of Customs at Maryport and John McLennan, Chief Boatman with a crew of seven hands went to the assistance of the three men in the stranded vessel, with the sea breaking clean over her. The risk incurred in an open boat was very great. The boat was towed out by a tug but the great risk was incurred in going in the boat while she was steered to the wrecked vessel. The boat was half full of water, the night was very dark and stormy but still they went on and dragged the men from the ship’s rigging. The service occupied one hour.’ (ref. The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett).

Mariner Robert Kendall, of Maryport, Cumbria, was awarded the Board of Trade Gallantry Medal in Bronze and £2 for his part in rescuing the crew of the
Catherine of Belfast on 4 September 1864. Six other members of the boat’s crew were similarly rewarded; Lindsay and McLennan were each awarded the Board of Trade Gallantry Medal in Silver.