Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Navy League Gallantry Cross awarded to Michael Robert Thompson

Navy League Gallantry Cross, silver, reverse inscribed, ‘Cadet O/S Michael Robert Thompson, 10th May 1959’, in fitted Spink, London case of issue, extremely fine £700-800

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

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The Sea Cadet Corps may be traced back to the time of the Crimean War, when, in 1856, sailors returning home from the campaign set up ‘Naval Lads Brigades’ to give orphans and poor children a taste of self discipline and leadership in a naval setting. The brigades were so successful in helping Britains disadvantaged youth that the Navy League adopted them in 1910 - to become the Navy League Sea Cadet Corps; the Navy League being a national organisation dedicated in supporting the Royal Navy. In late 1944 the Navy League Gallantry Cross was first awarded to three U.K. cadets. The ‘NL’ which appears on the arms of the cross modestly signifying the parent organisation. In 1976 the Navy League Sea Cadet Corps became the Sea Cadet Association which continued to award the decoration.