Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Humane Society, large bronze medal (successful) (David Kirk Comd. Boatman 30 June 1847.) medal silvered, minor damage to edge at 7 o’clock, nearly very fine £200-240

David Kirk, the Commander Boatman of the Kerries Coast Guard, Co. Dublin, Ireland, was awarded the Royal Humane Society’s bronze medal for saving the life of Anthony Smith at Kerries, Ireland on 30 June 1847: ‘Whilst bathing, Smith was carried away by the tide. Kirk plunged into the sea and saved him. Smith was insensible, but was removed to the Coast Guard Station and after receiving medical attention from Dr. A. K. Butler recovered sufficiently.’ (Case no. 14,508 refers).