Lot Archive

Lot

№ 478

.

26 March 2009

Hammer Price:
£550

A Sea Gallantry Medal group of four awarded to Skipper F. Fearnley, Royal Naval Reserve

Sea Gallantry Medal, E.VII.R., small 2nd issue, bronze (Frank Fearnley, “Swan” 10th August 1907); 1914-15 Star (590 W.S.A. F. Fearnley, Skr., R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (590 W.S.A. F. Fearnley, Skr., R.N.R.) last three later issues, mounted for wear, very fine and better (4) £350-400

Ex Fevyer Collection.

‘While the Swan was off the Western Isles, Iceland on 10th August 1907, Walter Carnazza, aged 10 years, son of the skipper of the Swan fell overboard. Fearnley sprang overboard fully dressed and swam towards the boy but before he could reach him the lad sank and was drowned. There was a heavy swell at the time and considerable risk was incurred’.

Frank Fearnley, Second Hand of the steam trawler Swan of Hull was awarded the S.G.M. in bronze for the attempted rescue.