Orders, Decorations and Medals

Royal Humane Society, small silver medal (unsuccessful), (Lieut. C. Home Cockran, R.N., H.M.S. “Valiant” 28 Jan. 1883) solder marks to obverse, suspension refixed, slight contact marks and edge bruising, very fine £200-240

‘About 7.30 a.m., on the 28th January, 1883, off Tarbet, Andrew Hooper was getting from a steam launch to the Jacob’s ladder, preparatory to coming on board H.M.S. Valiant, when he fell into the water; the man could scarcely be seen owing to the darkness. George Bennett jumped over the stern and supported him. Lieut. Cochrane (sic) observing by the light of a signal that the men were floating astern in the darkness, also jumped overboard and assisted them to the buoy which was hanging over the stern with a great hawser attached. It was blowing a gale of wind at the time with a considerable sea on, and the night was very cold’. (Ref. R.H.S. Case No. 21921). R.H.S. records note that the incident took place ‘Off Tarbert River Shannon’.

Stoker Andrew Hooper, R.N., H.M.S. Valiant, was found to be dead when taken out from the water. Both Lieutenant Charles Home Cochran, R.N. and Able Seaman George Bennett, Naval Reserve, both of H.M.S. Valiant, were awarded the R.H.S. Medal in Silver.

Charles Home Cochran was born on 22 June 1850, the son of Alexander Cochran of Ashkirk, Hawick. Serving in the Royal Navy, he was awarded the Ashantee Medal 1873-74, the Jubilee Medal 1897 and Coronation 1902. He died on 14 February 1930. With some copied research.