Order of St.John Lifesaving Medal, 1st type, bronze (James McGowan, Decbr. 1880) good very fine, rare £450-550

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Life Saving, Police and Fire Brigade Medals from the James N Spencer Collection.

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James McGowan, Inspector of Roads, Borough of Birkenhead.

‘For gallantry and devoted exertions at great personal risk on 18th October,1880, in rescuing from an underground passage 3 workmen insensible from poisonous gases, one of whom expired on being brought to the surface.’

The medal was presented by Sir James Bourne, Bart., on 2 February, 1881, in the Court House, Birkenhead, the Mayor of Birkenhead presiding. Only 18 1st type St. John Lifesaving Medals in bronze awarded.