Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A K.P.M. for Gallantry awarded to Constable George Watt, Edinburgh City Police

King’s Police Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue, for Gallantry (P.C. George Watt, Edinburgh City Police) mounted as worn on ‘Gallantry’ riband, in case of issue, nearly extremely fine £600-800

K.P.M. London Gazette 1 January 1934.

‘On 5th July 1933 a youth who was bathing in the sea at Leith, got into difficulties and shouted for help. A spectator took off his clothes and jumped into the water, but almost immediately was caught by the strong tide and forced against some projecting ironworks, where he was caught until assisted from the water. Constable Watt, heard all the shouting, and ran to the seawall where he saw the youth floating face down about a foot beneath the surface, and 10 yards out. He plunged into the water, and swam out to the youth who was unconscious, and started to swim ashore with him. The force of the current caused the Constable to lose hold of him three times, but was able to grab onto a lifebuoy with one hand, whilst supporting the youth with the other. Just as the Constable and youth were being pulled out, he lost grip, and he immediately slipped under water and disappeared. The youth’s body was washed up later by the tide.’