Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, bronze (William Parker wreck of the “Clans” on the 26th. February 1893.) extremely fine £200-240

William Parker, Commissioned Boatman, was one of six men of H.M. Coast Guard, Helen’s Bay Station, Co. Down, who assisted in the rescue of the three crew of the Schooner Clans, of Chester, that was stranded in St. Helen’s Bay on 26 February 1893. The coastguard men seeing the perilous position of the crew put off in a boat and despite capsizing several times succeeded in rescuing them.

The Station Officer, Richard Keane, was awarded the Board of Trade’s Silver Medal for Gallantry, and was also awarded the R.N.L.I. Silver Medal for this action; the other five Boatmen, including Parker, were all awarded the Board of Trade’s Bronze Medal for Gallantry, and a gratuity of £1.