Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., silver (John McCarthy “Dorothy Rose” 18th October, 1920) slight edge bruise, good very fine £340-400

John McCarthy was a member of the crew of the steam drifter Sentinal Star, of Lowestoft.

On 18 October 1920, the Lowestoft drifters were returning home due to bad weather and high seas. When passing through the Stanford Channel, the steam drifter Dorothy Rose was struck by a large wave, and with the hold uncovered, was flooded below and the fires put out. One man was swept overboard and as the small boat and lifesaving gear had been rendered useless, nothing could be done to save him. The water-logged Dorothy Rose then drifted helplessly towards shallow water over Newcombe Sands. Several vessels passed by, not risking the shallows, until the Sentinal Star arrived, and with the consent of her crew, braved the broken seas and attempted a rescue. After three failed attempts, a hawser was attached to the Dorothy Rose and the Sentinel Star was able to tow her safely into harbour. The risk had been great, if either ship had touched bottom, it is likely it and all on board would have been lost. (Taken from The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett).

The Skipper of the Sentinal Star and nine men of his crew, including McCarthy, were each awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal in Silver. Skipper William Briggs was additionally awarded a gold watch.