Orders, Decorations and Medals

Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (Successful), (O/S Stephen Richard Gordon Thomas Ratsey, R.N., 13th Oct. 1952) with ribbon buckle, good very fine

The rescue took place at sea 2 miles off Dunwich, Suffolk, from H.M.S. “Watchful” (Motor Fishing Vessel of the Fishery Protection Squadron) on passage to Lowestoft in a heavy beam sea with wind force 7 gusting to 8. Seaman Robson was washed overboard in the rough sea. Without hesitation Ordinary Seaman Ratsey secured a lifeline round his waist and went in. He secured Robson and held him while the ship turned, which took a long time. The whole ship’s company of 12 men was required to haul both inboard owing to the conditions of sea prevailing.