Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, bronze (John Kirkpatrick, Wreck of the "Middleton" on the 18th November 1893) in case of issue, extremely fine £300-350

'The brig Middleton, of West Hartlepool, was stranded at Staithes, Yorkshire. Gloyn, Kirkpatrick and Harper went down a cliff 450 feet high in order to obtain communication with the vessel. Seven lives were saved, two lost.' (Ref. The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett).

Joseph Gloyn, Commissioned Boatman, and John Kirkpatrick and William Harper, Boatmen, of H.M. Coastguard, Staithes, were each awarded the Board of Trade Gallantry Medal in Bronze.