Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (unsuccessful) (Henry May. 25th July 1897.) with integral bronze riband buckle, minor edge bruising, very fine £120-£160

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Rob Campbell Collection relating to Clevedon, Somerset.

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R.H.S. Case no. 29,015:

‘5.30pm 25th July 1897. The Sea at Clevedon. G. J. Pitts swam out after an oar and became exhausted 40 yards from shore, 12 feet deep with a heavy sea running. May went to his aid but was clutched and taken under water. A boat then put off and brought both to shore in an unconscious state, but Pitts did not recover.’

Henry May was a painter by occupation, who resided at Lynton House, Copse Road, Clevedon, Somerset. On 25 July 1897, a heavy sea was causing havoc with the boats moored on Clevedon Beach. George Pitts managed to get his boat onto the beach but then realised that one of the oars had broken loose and the current and swell was taking it out. He swam out to recover it but became exhausted by the time he was 40 yards from the shore in water that was 12 feet deep. May was a keen boatman, and observed the scene before going to Pitts’ aid. The latter panicked and clutched May, taking both men under.

A boat manned by James Bacon putt off and reached the men, who were both unconscious. May recovered, however, Pitts who was 25 years old later died. May was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal and vellum certificate.

May resided at Venetian House, Hill Road, Clevedon, in later life. He had three sons, two of which were killed during the Great War. May died at the latter address in January 1932.

Sold with copied research, including photographic images of recipient and his family.