Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, Marine Medal, 1st type, silver (Wm. Ferguson 2nd Officer, Achilles S.S. for the gallant daring, skill and judgement he exhibited in command of steamers boat, that saved crew of Orinoco, 1868) - the inscription engraved on a silver band enclosing the medal, good very fine £280-320

‘To Mr Ferguson, second officer “Achilles” (s.s.) for the gallant daring, skill, and judgement he exhibited in command of the steamer’s boat that saved the crew of the Orinoco. Mr Ferguson volunteered his services to go in the first boat, and then stripped to his flannels, thinking he might have to swim for it. The sea was very heavy, and the “Orinoco” rolled about unmanageable. She was like a half-tide rock, and her master said she was sinking when the “Achilles” boat got off to her. It was very difficult and dangerous to get the captain’s wife and child off the vessel. The boat’s crew had to watch the seas, and roll of the “Orinoco”, and put the boat’s bow as close to her side as possible, that in the roll towards the boat the men might jump into it. The captain’s child was thrown from the Orinoco into the arms of one of the men in the boat. In two trips the captain and crew were taken off, and the vessel was subsequently taken in tow by the “Achilles” and brought to Liverpool.’ (ref. L.S. & H.S. Report)

With copied report extract and a photograph of a picture of the Orinoco.