Forth Swimming Club and Humane Society Rescue Medal, circular, engraved garter inscribed, ‘For Health Pleasure & Safety’, enclosing, ‘Forth Swimming Club and Humane Society Rescue Medal, instituted 1850’; rev. inscribed, ‘To Adam R. Tait for Saving the Life of John Willis at Coldingham Sands, 26th August 1875’, 54mm., silver, in fitted Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh case of issue, extremely fine £200-250

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

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Adam R. Tait was born in Glasgow in 1816, sometime thereafter making his home at 10 Hermitage Place, Edinburgh. The village of Coldingham and Coldingham Sands lies on the quiet Scottish east coast between St. Abb’s Head and Eyemouth. On 25 August 1875 twenty-one year old John Willis of Edinburgh got into difficulties in the sea off Coldingham Sands. Fifty-nine year old Adam Tait seeing him struggling immediately went to his rescue and brought him safely to shore. The Forth Swimming Club and Humane Society subsequently awarded Tait their ‘Rescue Medal’.