Orders, Decorations and Medals

Sea Cadet Gallantry Cross, silver, reverse inscribed, ‘Cadet V. Stead, Whitby S.C.C. 30.9.44’, minor edge bruising, nearly extremely fine, rare £800-1000

‘SMART RESCUE - A member of the Whitby Sea Cadet Corps, Cadet A.B. Victor Stead, son of Mr and Mrs A. C. Stead, Westbourne Road, Whitby, effected a smart rescue in Whitby Harbour on Saturday afternoon. Mr Stead, who is sixteen years of age, was on the Fist Quay, West Pier, at a time when a number of boys were fishing from the steps leading to the harbour. Hearing a splash, he turned round to see one of the young boys had fallen into the water. A strong ebb tide, and considerable fresh [water] coming down the river, was carrying the boy away from the harbour side; and without hesitation Stead threw off his jacket, slipped off his shoes, and dived to the boy’s assistance. Swimming under water, Stead came up near the lad, who was just going under. He caught hold of him, and brought him back to the steps, where he was assisted to the shore by Keith Smith. The boy, the six-year old son of Mr and Mrs John Leadley, 2, Paradise Yard, Haggersgate, was taken home, and was no worse for his immersion. Stead’s main worry was his suit, the trousers of which were ruined by his prompt response to the call for assistance. He is an ex-member of [the] Ruswarp Sea Scouts, in which he gained a swimming badge, and a member of the life-saving class of the Whitby Sea Cadets’. (Ref. Whitby Gazette 6 October 1944).