Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Sea Gallantry Medal (Foreign Services) and Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea pair awarded to Ordinary Seaman K. Rapraeger, of the S.S. Mannheim, for the rescue of the S.S. British King in the North Atlantic, 11 March 1906

Sea Gallantry Medal (Foreign Services), E.VII.R., silver, ‘From the British Government, For Gallantry and Humanity’ (Karl Rapraeger. Wreck of the “British King” on the 11th. March 1906.); Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea, 2nd small type, bronze (K. Rapraeger - “British King” |S| - 10th. Mar. 06.) minor edge bruise to latter, nearly extremely fine (2) £500-700

Provenance: Captain J. Hartford Collection, Glendining’s, September 1992.

Karl Rapraeger was one of five crew members from the S.S. Mannheim, of Hamburg, awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal (Foreign Services), together with 13 men of the S.S. Bostonian who were awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal, for the rescue of the crew of the S.S. British King, which was sinking in the Atlantic Ocean: ‘The steamship British King (4,717 tons), of Liverpool, sprang a leak during a hurricane in the North Atlantic Ocean and began to sink on 10 March 1906. In answer to signals of distress the Mannheim bore down, but as the weather was too bad for a boat to be launched she stood by all night, and in the morning with the assistance of the Bostonian tried to form a lee so that a rescue might be attempted. After much difficulty and in spite of terrific weather, a boat was launched by the Mannheim and was so skilfully handled that 11 of the crew of the British King were rescued, but the boat was destroyed. The Bostonian then launched a boat but it was smashed alongside and the crew of the boat were injured and only rescued with difficulty. A second boat was launched from the Bostonian and rescued 13 of the crew of the British King before it was destroyed. Subsequently the British King foundered and five men were picked up clinging to her wreckage. There was a heavy sea at the time of the rescue and those who rendered assistance incurred great risk to life.’ (The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett refers).

Rapraeger was additionally awarded the Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea in bronze, and a gratuity of £3.