Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, bronze (William Fletcher, Wreck of the Fishing Smack “Ariel” of Yarmouth on the 29th. October 1880.) in embossed case of issue, minor edge nick, otherwise extremely fine £300-£400

William Fletcher, Third Hand of the fishing smack Rachel Ann, of Hull, was awarded the Board of Trade’s Medal for Gallantry for saving the lives of five of the crew of the fishing smack Ariel, of Yarmouth, which was in a sinking condition off Spurn Point on 29 Ocrtober 1880. The Rachel Ann boat, manned by the Second (John McGarry) and Third (William Fletcher) Hands effected the rescue at considerable risk as a heavy sea was running. Great praise was due to the Master of the Rachel Ann (Richard Hogben) for the way in which he handled his vessel as she had previously lost sails and gear. Two of the crew of the Ariel were swept overboard while the rescue was proceeding.’

For their services during the rescue both McGarry and Fletcher were awarded the Board of Trade’s Bronze Medal for Gallantry, and Hogben, the Master of the Rachel Ann, was awarded the Board of Trade’s Bronze Medal for Humanity.