Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Board of Trade Medal for Humanity in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, silver (Captain. George. Thomas. Martin. Wreck of the “Jane Rowland” of Aberystwith on the 15th. February-1879.) in embossed fitted case of issue, extremely fine, scarce £800-1200

George Thomas Martin was born at Deptford, Kent, on 20 January 1842, and received his Master’s Certificate on 2 January 1867. Appointed Master of the S.S. Sibylla, of London, he was awarded the Board of Trade Silver Medal for Humanity for rescuing the crew of the bark Jane Rowland, of Aberystwyth. The Sibylla lay by the wreck of the Jane Rowland through the night of 14 February 1879, and at 6:00 a.m. the following morning sent a boat, manned by Mate Charles Woodruff and six seamen, which took off the crew at great risk.

For his gallantry Woodruff was awarded the Board of Trade Silver Medal for Gallantry. Both he and Martin received their medals from the Mayor of Cardiff on 1 November 1879.

Only 37 Large ‘Humanity’ Board of Trade Medals were issued from the institution of the medal in 1855, with the final award being made in 1893.