Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, Marine Medal, 3rd type, silver (hallmarks for Birmingham 1926) (To Wilfred Bibb, for Gallant Service. 11/7/27.), with Second Award Bar, this inscribed ‘For Saving Life. 22/9/27’, and integral top riband bar, in fitted case of issue, edge bruise, good very fine £240-280

Wilfred Bibb was awarded his Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Silver Medal for gallantry with others in rescuing a man immersed in the Salthouse Dock on 11 July 1927: ‘The man was engaged with others in carrying a wire hawser, one end of which was attached to the stern of the S.S. Clare Island, along the quay side from the bollard to another, when suddenly the wire tautened, causing the man to slip. Still holding on to the wire, his added weight caused the other men to release their hold, with the result that the man, overbalancing, and still holding onto the hawser, fell into the Dock. Mr. Bibb, who was standing on the quay side at the time of the occurrence, tore off his coat and at once jumped into the Dock, a distance of 15 feet. The man, who on touching the water had immediately sank, was still submerged, having stuck in the mud, and although Bibb dived repeatedly, he was unable to find him. Mr. Kelly was then standing on the quay, and as Bibb had been under the water for some time, he thought he had found the man and was waiting to dive to the assistance of both if necessary, when he saw the man’s head just appear under the surface of the water, about 7 yards from Bibb. Throwing off his coat he also dived into the Dock, caught hold of the man, as he was again sinking, and began towing him to a rowing boat which had been obtained from a passing barge. Mr. Smith had dived into the Dock from the steamer to render assistance if needed. The man was in a bad way and after landing was taken to the Northern Hospital, and in 2 days had almost recovered.’

Bibb was awarded his Second Award Bar, together with a gratuity of £1, for rescuing a 39 year old woman attempting suicide in the River Mersey, off the George’s Landing Stage, on 22 September 1927: ‘At 1:05 p.m. the woman was seen to jump in the river from the stern of the New Brighton Ferry and the cry of “Woman Overboard” was raised. Mr. Green, a seaman on the Birkenhead Ferries, who was on the stage going off duty, saw the woman struggling in the water. He dived in fully clothed, swam to the woman, and supported her. Mr. Bibb, who was also on the stage, saw the man and woman in the water, who appeared to be in difficulties. He threw a life-buoy to them, but as it fell short, he dived in the river, seized the buoy, and swam with it to the man and woman, who were then hauled to the stage to safety.’