Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, bronze (Peter Gibbons Wreck of the “Woodman” on the 12th December 1883) with eyelet suspension, nearly very fine £280-£320

Peter Gibbons was born in Innislyre, County Mayo, Ireland in January 1847. He joined the Royal Navy as Ordinary Seaman in September 1865. Gibbons was employed as a Boatman in the Coast Guard from November 1875, and was one of two men (the other being named Morris) of H.M. Coast Guard, St. Dogmells Station, who assisted in the rescue of the four crew of the Schooner Woodman, of Waterford, that was wrecked near Aberporth, Cardigan Bay, 12 December 1883:

‘On the recommendation of the Admiral Superintendent of Naval Reserves, the medal was also awarded to Peter Gibbons, boatman at the coastguard station, St. Dogmells, Liverpool district, for saving J. Roach, of the schooner Woodman, and being also instrumental in saving the lives of the remainder of the crew of the same vessel. In this case it appears that at about half-past 12 on the night of the 12th of December, during a strong gale from the north-west, the schooner stranded on a reef of rocks at Aberporth, over which the sea was breaking with terrific force. Roach was lowered over the vessel’s side with the evident intention of swimming if possible to the shore with a line. Unfortunately, however, owing to the strong current and the force of the wind, he immediately disappeared. Gibbons’ determination to effect a rescue was attended with numerous dangers, not the least of which was the probability of his being dashed to pieces against the rocks, but he persisted and, plunging into the sea, struck out boldly, and at last clutched the drowning man, rose with him to the surface, and landed him safely on the shore, both being very much exhausted. The remainder of the crew were subsequently rescued by means of the rocket apparatus.’ (Western Daily Press, 22 January 1884 refers)

Gibbons advanced to Commissioned Boatman, and was Shore Pensioned in August 1886.

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