Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A ‘Golden Penny’ Medal for Bravery awarded to Thomas Bellamy

‘Golden Penny’ Medal for Bravery, 36mm., silver (Thomas Bellamy, 1903) unmounted, some edge bruising, very fine
£400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Life Saving Awards from the Collection of John Wilson.

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Ex W. H. Fevyer Collection, D.N.W. 25 September 2008.

Extract from The Golden Penny, 1903:

Two Brave Hoxton Boys receive The “Golden Penny” and Royal Humane Society Medals - In awarding the Silver Medal for Bravery this week to Thomas Bellamy and George Jonas, two schoolboys of Hoxton, the “Golden Penny” is satisfied that the recipients are well worthy not only of this honour, but also of the Bronze Medal of the Royal Humane Society which has been awarded them. These two lads have proved that Hoxton boys are as ready as any others to risk even life itself on behalf of a drowning comrade. One day in June, Charles Flude, a little fellow of eight, while playing on the tow-path of the Regent’s Canal, accidentally fell in and was fast drowning. No grown person being near, and his playmates being too young to help, there seemed no hope of rescue. Young Bellamy, who is only thirteen, and a small boy for his age, came up in the nick of time, and at once throwing off his jacket, sprang into the water. Instantly the drowning boy gripped him by the throat, and both went under, but, freeing himself, Bellamy again tackled the lad, who was now getting weak, and landed him on the bank. Here he at once began restorative treatment according to the system taught at his school, and in a short time was successful. ..... Quite everyday events, some may say. Well, they may be commonplace, but nevertheless they require as much real courage as has gained many a man the Victoria Cross’.

Also awarded the Royal Humane Society Medal in Bronze, ref. R.H.S. Case No. 32,664. With some copied research.