Orders, Decorations and Medals

Royal National Lifeboat Institution, G.IV.R., silver (Mr. Wm. Dark, Voted 10th Feby. 1848) ring suspension, very fine £200-250

The following extract is taken from the Minute Book of the Executive Committee: ‘Read letter from S. Burridge Esq., Collector of HM Customs at Padstow of the 27 Decr. stating that the Ship Marchioness of Abercorn, heading from Quebec to London was stranded on the 8th Decr. near Cranstock, 20 miles westward of Padstow in a terrific sea, with every prospect of going to pieces; the rockets were immediately fired, but failed in effecting a Communication, - when, Mr Johns, Master of the Schnr Liberty, Mr Dark, Master of the Schnr Rose, and Mr Found, Master of the Smack Model, instantly launched a small boat and at the risk of their lives and the admiration of all who witnessed them, succeeded in pulling through the tremendous rollers and reached the vessel, bringing on shore a line by which means a communication was formed and 4 of the crew got safe on shore in the boat; in making the second attempt two of the crew were unfortunately drowned and the boat capsized - a hawser was then got from the vessel, and ultimately the remainder of the crew, consisting of the Master and 20 men succeeded in getting on shore at 10 at night.

Ordered - That the Silver Medal of the Institution and 2 Sovereigns be awarded to each of the three Masters of vessels, the draft for Six Pounds and the Medals be sent to S. Burridge Esq., Collector of Customs, Padstow.’