Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Humane Society, large silver medal (successful) (Master Herbert Campbell 23, June, 1852) very fine £280-£320

R.H.S. Case no. 15,226.

‘On the 22nd of June 1852, at Sea View, Isle of Wight, the following melancholy and painful occurrence took place, in which three persons met an untimely end, and which also gave rise to the noble and daring courage of one of the survivors. Master Herbert Campbell, with five others, took a pleasure boat, and after sailing about for some time, and when at a distance of about a mile and a half from shore, the weather proving squally, they determined on returning, and on the boat’s head being put to the wind, they were all suddenly precipitated into the sea. Master Herbert Campbell (aged twelve), with heroic courage, swam with his younger brother [Master Sidney Campbell, aged seven] on his back nearly a mile towards the shore, when they were fortunately picked up by a boat that had put off to their rescue.’

Medal sent to Major George Campbell, 11 March 1853.

Sold with copied extract from R.H.S. Case Book and extract from Acts of Gallantry, by Lambton Young.