Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life, V.R., large, silver (James Green wreck of the “Rose” on the 17th February 1889) minor contact marks, good very fine £380-420

Ex Robert W. Tilling Collection, ref. L.S.A.R.S. Journal No.18, p.26-33.

The British cargo ship Rose (of Cardiff) left Marseilles for Carthagena on 16 February 1889 in ballast. Difficulties occured almost immediately when the ship struck a pier on leaving port. Leaking badly, the ship was run on shore so that repairs could be effected. The following morning, seemingly repaired and made seaworthy, the ship resumed her voyage but a few miles out, in rough weather, she suddenly foundered.

‘On the 17th February, 1889 the Rose foundered off Planna Island in very rough weather. The crew escaped in their boats and got on board the Bellcairn which incurred great risk in lying by the wreck all night off a lee shore in a high gale. The mate of the Rose was rescued as the ship was sinking by his shipmates, the Bellcairn’s crew having refused to risk their lives in the attempt’ (ref. Board of Trade records)

For the action, James Martin, Captain of the Bellcairn, was awarded a Gold Watch; James Green, 2nd Mate of the Rose, was awarded the Board of Trade Silver Medal and A. McDonald, L. Davies and C. Bristowe, all of the Rose, were awarded the Board of Trade Bronze Medal and £2 each.