Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, silver (John McLennan, wreck of the “Catherine” of Belfast, on 4th Septr. 1864) in (damaged) maroon leather case of issue, lid inscribed in gilt, ‘Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in saving life at sea awarded to John McLennan’, medal with some contact mark thus nearly very fine
£350-450

‘The crew of the Catherine of Belfast had taken to the rigging in consequence of the stranding of their vessel, and she being too far from the shore for the rocket lines to reach her. Mr Lindsay, Collector of Customs at Maryport and John McLennan, Chief Boatman with a crew of seven hands went to the assistance of the three men in the stranded vessel, with the sea breaking clean over her. The risk incurred in an open boat was very great. The boat was towed out by a tug but the great risk was incurred in going in the boat while she was steered to the wrecked vessel. The boat was half full of water, the night was very dark and stormy but still they went on and dragged the men from the ship’s rigging. The service occupied one hour.’ (ref. The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett).

Henry Lindsay and John McLennan were each awarded the Silver Medal for Gallantry; the seven mariners from Maryport, Cumbria, were each awarded the Bronze Medal for Gallantry plus £2.