Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Sea Gallantry Medal pair awarded to Private Henry Wadlow, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, for gallantry during a fire on board H.M. Transport 'Caronia' in 1917

SEA GALLANTRY MEDAL, G.V.R., silver (H.M.T. 'Caronia' May 1917); BRITISH WAR MEDAL (202338 Pte., R. War. R.) good very fine (2)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of the late Mike Minton.

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In May 1917, while Caronia was at sea (actually on voyage from India to the Cape) a series of fires occurred in the bunkers. The crew tried to cope, but after five days the Master was compelled to ask for help from the troops on board. A number volunteered to go into the bunkers, and they gave valuable help in extinguishing the flames. 18 N.C.O.'s and men and one Temp Lieut. were reported as deserving of special recognition of the very considerable risk incurred; frequent explosion occurred and a number of helpers were seriously injured. These 19 men together with 11 crew members were all awarded the silver Sea Gallantry Medal. Amongst the former were 6 men of the 9th Warwicks, including Private Wadlow, who received his medal from the hands of the King at Buckingham Palace on 11 December 1919. Sold with further details.