Orders, Decorations and Medals

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, bronze (John Butler, Wreck of the “Nordkap” on the 13th March 1891) heavy edge bruising and contact marks, fine £100-140

‘The schooner Nordkap, of Fowey, in distress in Atlantic Ocean on 1[3] March 1891. Mosser put out a boat which was stove in. Then put out the starboard boat, which rescued the crew at great risk, and was stove in also by the side of the Mosser.’ (ref. The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett)

Able Seaman John Butler and four others were each awarded the Board of Trade Bronze Medal for Gallantry and £2; the Chief Mate, in charge of the boat was awarded the Board of Trade Silver Medal for Gallantry and the Captain of the Mosser was awarded the Board of Trade Silver Medal for Humanity.