Orders, Decorations and Medals

Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, ‘In Memoriam’ Medal, 58mm., frosted silver medal, glazed with an inscribed silver frame (”In Memoriam” Presented by the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, to Mrs. Katherine Steger, nearest relative of the late Mr. Ernest Heitman, of the U.S.S. “President Roosevelt”, who on the 24th Jany. 1926, during a heavy gale in the North Atlantic, nobly sacrificed his life when rescuing the crew of the S.S. “Antinoe”.) in its fitted case of issue, slight chipping to the bevelled lunettes, otherwise nearly extremely fine and rare £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of British Orders, Decorations and Medals (The Property of a Gentleman).

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The Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society ‘In Memoriam’ Medal was awarded to the next of kin of those who gave their lives in making a gallant rescue attempt. The first issue of an ‘In Memoriam’ medal was probably made in 1878, the last was issued in 1970. A total of 50 medals have been issued resulting from 38 incidents. For further details see the article ‘The “In Memoriam” Medallion of the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society’ by E. Gordon Williams, L.S.A.R.S. No.26, p.4-11.

The brief citation states: ‘Silver “In Memoriam” Medallion each to the nearest relatives to the late Uno Wirtanen, Master-at-Arms, and Ernest Heitman, Bosun’s Mate, both of the U.S.S. President Roosevelt, who lost their lives during the rescue of the crew (25) of the S.S. Antinoe in the North Atlantic in very heavy weather, on the 24th January 1926.’