Orders, Decorations and Medals

Royal Humane Society, large silver medal (successful), by Pistrucci (Joseph Saunders, A.B., H.M.S. Liffey. Vit. Ob. Serv. D.D. Soc. Reg. Hum. 6 Decr. 1858) fitted with a contemporary ring and bar suspension, extremely fine £250-300

‘At Devonport, on the 6th December 1858, a seaman named Frederick Wrate, of H.M.S. Liffey, accidentally fell overboard from the main-chains into the harbour, and being unable to swim, would have been drowned had it not been for the noble courage and intrepid conduct of Joseph Saunders, A.B., of the same vessel, who immediately jumped overboard with his clothes on, swam to his relief, and succeeded in supporting him until assistance came. Gunner Thomas Jones, Royal Marine Artillery, also jumped overboard, and was awarded the honorary bronze medal of the Society for his humane conduct.’ (Ref. Acts of Gallantry, by Lambton Young).