Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, bronze (James English, Wreck of the “George Moore” on the 21st May 1887) extremely fine £250-300

‘The steamship George Moore, of Port Glasgow, was wrecked on The Smalls, off Pembrokeshire, on 21 May 1887. The Master and crew of 15 were taken off the rigging in a high sea in two trips by a boat from the Juno. The boat could not get close enough to the wreck and the crew of the George Moore had to be drawn through the surf by means of a line to the boat. Risk and difficulty great, boat nearly swamped on second trip. Juno also incurred great risk and only kept from injury by skilful handling.’ (Ref. The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett).

The Master of the paddle steamer Juno was awarded the Board of Trade Humanity Medal in Silver and the Second Mate, the Board of Trade Gallantry Medal in Silver; in addition, they both received R.N.L.I. Medals in Silver. Able Seaman James English was one of four men of the Juno to be awarded the Board of Trade Gallantry Medal in Bronze, each with a gratuity of £2.