Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society / Royal National Institute for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck pair awarded to Thomas Lewis, Chief Mate, S.S. Earl of Erne

Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, Marine Medal, 1st type silver medallion, 56mm. dia., obverse frosted, glazed with a silver band inscribed, ‘Mr Thomas Lewis Chief Mate Steam Ship “Earl of Erme” for gallantly jumping into Clarence Basin & saving a Man & Boy Feby. 1858’; Royal National Institute for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, G.IV.R., silver (Mr Thomas Lewis. Voted 6 May 1858) signs of brooch mounting to obverse, with refitted ‘double-dolphin’ suspension, this with edge bruising and contact marks, fine; first good very fine (2) £800-1000

Ex Glendining’s 24 March 1993 and D.N.W. 25 March 2013.

Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society – 19th Annual Report, year ending 1st July 1858, p.6 & 7: ‘The second case is that of James Lewis, mate of the steamer Earl of Erne, who, on two different occasions, jumped overboard into Clarence Basin (Liverpool Docks) and saved a man, and a boy, from drowning. A Silver Medal was also presented to Mr Lewis, who, in the subsequent passage of the steamer across the Channel, was himself rescued from a watery grave.’ One of only two awards made that year.

The Life-Boat, July 1, 1858: Wreck of the Barque Mary Stoddart on the Irish Coast - At half past ten o'clock, Mr Lewis, mate of the Earl of Erne, volunteered to go out from Blackrock to the barque, in the lifeboat of the Enterprise, which had been there on the previous day. In the boat with him were Mr Gilmore, first mate of the Pride of Erin, some of the crew of the Independence, and one or two persons belonging to Blackrock. The storm still raged with much fury, and the waves were very difficult to encounter, being short, and rising to a great height, the boats dropping from them bows foremost, and presenting a fearful appearance to those on shore.

In the mean time the two boats from Dundalk had neared the wreck, and placed themselves as close as possible on her lee side, and Captain Kelly called on Captain Johnston to go to the poop and jump into his boat. Captain Johnston stated that he was too weak to make the effort, and Captain Kelly said to the crews of both boats that they could render no assistance to the crew. They then commenced to pull for the shore, when a tremendous wave struck Captain Kelly’s boat and capsized her. The Captain and crew with a great struggle succeeded in getting upon her bottom, but were no sooner there than she was struck by another wave, and all were dashed into the sea, and the boat righted. Part of the crew succeeded in getting into her, and Captain Kelly was seen about twenty yards off, but he presently disappeared. The capsized boat had lost its oars, and now drifted at the mercy of the waves. It was then taken in tow by the life-boat of the Enterprise, which started from Blackrock, and which came up at the time. One of the crew was taken out dead, a second died subsequently from exhaustion, and the body of a third was washed ashore. ....

During the long period that had intervened between the time of the first unavailing efforts being made to rescue the unfortunate sufferers and those which were ultimately crowned with success, no less than ten boats had put off on the same mission of mercy. To those in command of the several boats, and also to Captain Johnston, whose brave conduct in the first instance entailed on him so much suffering, The National Life-Boat Institution awarded its Silver Medal in acknowledgement of their gallant and meritorious services.’

A total of nine silver medals were awarded by the R.N.I.P.L.S. for this rescue.

With copied research.