Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria. To coincide with the OMRS Convention

A Sea Gallantry Medal awarded to Seaman W. J. Hemmings, S.S. Nova Scotia, for a mid-Atlantic rescue in 1929

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., bronze (William J. Hemmings, “Janie E. Blackwood” 12th December 1929) in its original fitted case of issue, nearly extremely fine
£300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Awards to Civilians from the Collection of John Tamplin.

View
Collection

S.G.M. (Bronze) London Gazette 10 March 1931.

On the 12th December, 1929, the Janie E. Blackwood (a schooner of St John’s, Newfoundland) was in distress in the Atlantic Ocean. Owing to bad weather her boats had been carried away and she had become unseaworthy. Distress signals were made and about 10.30 p.m. the Nova Scotia went to the schooner’s assistance. A very heavy sea was running and the wind was blowing at storm force but notwithstanding these conditions, a lifeboat was sent away in charge of Mr Hender, being manned by the crew named [6 men, including William James Hemmings]. After some difficulty the 10 members of the crew of the Janie E. Blackwood were taken off. Considerable risk was incurred by the boat’s crew owing to the prevailing weather conditions which were so severe that the lifeboat could not be recovered.

Seven Bronze Medals were awarded for this rescue. Hemmings received his without ceremony from the Superintendent of the Mercantile Marine Offcie at Bristol on 26 September 1931.