Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

United States of America, Presidential Gold Lifesaving Medal, gold, the obverse with the head of Liberty facing left, ‘Presented by the President of the United States’ inscribed around; the reverse inscribed, ‘To Henry Brenton Carpenter of the British Steamship “Rhodesia” in recognition of his “Heroic Services” in affecting the rescue of the Captain and Crew of the American Schooner “Carrie A. Lane” Wrecked at Sea Oct. 3. 1899’, with integral ‘E. Plurs. Unum’ brooch suspension bar, minor edge nicks and cabinet marks, extremely fine £1600-2000

Henry Brenton was one of 19 from the crew of the Rhodesia, of Padstow, to be awarded a gold medal for the rescue of the captain and crew of the three-masted schooner Carrie A. Lane, which was wrecked 70 miles east-south-east off Cape Fear, off the east coast of the United States of America, on 3 October 1899. Captain Mark Bate of the Rhodesia was awarded a watch and First Mate Leonard Jewell, a glass: ‘But for the timely aid rendered by Captain Bate and his crew the lives of the crew of the schooner Carrie A. Lane would undoubtedly have been sacrificed. The pluck shown in the rescue was highly commendable. As they were aware, the awards were made at the instance of the President of the United States, and he could safely say that they and the United States people were of the same kindred, same tongue, same blood, and same commerce. He hoped that if Captain Bate and his crew were placed in similar circumstances again they would discharge their duty with equal bravery. The Hon. T. D. Phillips, American Consul, also presented Captain Bate and his crew with a very magnificent silk banner suitably inscribed, bearing, combined, the English and United States flags, and edge with gold fringe.’ (Notes from Cornish Towns refers).