Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (John Gallagher, Dec. 31 1899) with bronze buckle on ribbon, claw tightened, edge bruising, very fine £120-160

‘On the 31st December, 1899, Wm. Allan, in going ashore from the S.S. Mars, fell into the dock at Leith. The night was dark and stormy, and the depth [of the water] 25 feet. John Gallagher, chief officer of the Mars, at once sprang in, and having caught Allan, a rope was sent down, which he got round him. On being pulled up the rope parted and Allan again fell down. Gallagher now supported him till a stronger rope was got and he was hauled up.’ (ref. R.H.S. Case No. 30,481).