The Jack Boddington Collection of Life Saving Medals

Three: Constable J. Jack, Arbroath Burgh Special Constabulary

Special Constabulary Long Service, G.V.R., 1st issue, 5 clasps, The Great War 1914-18, Long Service 1929, 1939, 1943, 1948 (James Jack); Arboath Swimming Club Medal for Saving Life, obv. coat-of-arms, ‘Arbroath Swimming Club, Instd. 1879’; rev. within a wreath of thistles, ‘Presented to James Jak for Saving Life 23rd Augst. 1881’ - name and date engraved, 45mm., bronze, ring suspension; Arbroath Arts, Crafts and Industries Exhibition Medal, obv. coat-of-arms; rev. inscribed, ‘James Jack, Joint Secretary, 1908’, 45mm., bronze, straight bar suspension; together with a British Empire Exhibition Token 1924, 28mm., bronze, unnamed, extremely fine (4) £200-250

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Boddington Collection of Life Saving Medals.

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James Jack was born in Arbroath, Forfar, in 1868. A keen swimmer, he was a member of the Arbroath Swimming Club which used a natural pool in the rocks adjacent to the Arbroath Cliffs - these a site of frequent accidents and drownings. This was where the young James Jack, aged 13 years, carried out a rescue for which he was awarded the Club’s Life Saving Medal in 1881. In 1897, he played a part in the attempted rescue of a Mr Reid, a solicitor of Arbroath. James Jack became a Chemist with premises in Arbroath High Street. The name of the Arbroath Swimming Club was later changed to the St. Thomas Swimming Club - Jack was President of this club from 1909 to 1949. In 1908 he served as Joint Secretary of the Arbroath Arts, Crafts and Industries Exhibition. In 1914 he joined the Arbroath Burgh Special Constabulary, serving with them for many years. He died in the early 1950’s. Sold with copied research.