Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, bronze (John McDonald, Wreck of the “Devonshire” on the 9th October 1891) edge bruising, contact marks, nearly very fine £200-250

'The crew of the steamship Devonshire, of London, were taken off by boat in two hours, at much risk in a gale and heavy cross sea. The Norwegian had to be manoeuvred to keep her under the lee of the wreck.' (Ref. The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett). The Captain of the steamship Norwegian, of Glasgow, was awarded the Board of Trade Medal for Humanity, in Silver; the Chief Officer awarded the Medal for Gallantry in Silver; Seaman John McDonald was one of 15 men of the ship awarded the Medal for Gallantry in Bronze with a gratuity of £2, for the rescue which took place some 550 miles west of Tory Island (North Atlantic Ocean).