Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., silver (Thomas Mc.Kessack, “Hope”. 1st. October 1911.) in fitted case of issue, extremely fine £400-500

Thomas McKessack, an able seaman in the S.S. Rievaulx Abbey, was one of five men of the Rievaulx Abbey awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal for the rescue of the crew of the fishing-ketch Hope. ‘At about 8:00 pm on 30 September 1911, the fishing-ketch Hope, of Lowestoft, when lying to, about 60 miles south-east of Lowestoft, shipped a heavy sea, which carried away both masts and the small boat, and caused the vessel to spring a serious leak. Next morning, when the Hope had drifted to about 20 miles north west of the Maas Lightship, the Rievaulx Abbey approached as near as was safe, and her lifeboat, manned by the Second Mate and four seamen, rescued the Hope’s crew of five hands. The rescuers incurred considerable risk owing to the strong gale and heavy seas. Their boat was half full of water before they left their ship and is was eventually smashed to pieces.’ (The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett refers).

Five men of the Bostonian were awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal in Silver for the rescue. Second Mate George Edward Johnson was additionally awarded binoculars; other crew members were each awarded £3. McKessack was presented with his Medal by H.M. King George V at Buckingham Palace on 6 March 1912.