Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Humane Society, small silver medal (successful) (Lieut. Arthur Marsden, R.N., 25th March 1912) hallmarks for Birmingham 1929, with buckle, in Elkington case of issue; together with a miniature dress medal complete with buckle, extremely fine (2) £200-250

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, An Old Collection of Medals Relating to The Great War.

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‘At 10 p.m. on the 25th March 1912, James Cameron, A.B. on H.M.S. Erne, was employed on a target which was being got ready for towing by H.M.S. Exe at sea off Parkeston. Before he got clear of the target the Exe went ahead, and the bowline he was wearing got round the mast of the target which was now being dragged away from the Erne's side. Cameron succeeded in clearing himself, and jumping from the target attempted to swim back to the Erne, but became exhausted and called for help before reaching the buoy which had been thrown. Seeing that he was on the point of sinking, Lieut. Marsden plunged in from the bridge, fully clothed, and supported him for some five minutes, when they were picked up by a boat. Great risk incurred, the night being dark and bitterly cold, with a choppy sea and strong rippling tide.’ (R.H.S. Case No. 38970).

Note: as the hallmark on the medal is for 1929, for a rescue dated 1912, the medal is therefore either a late issue or a replacement.