Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, Marine Medal, 3rd type, silver (To George R. Capener, for Gallant Service, 18/8/1940), hallmarks for Birmingham 1938, with silver brooch bar, minor edge bruising, nearly extremely fine £120-160

‘At about 7.10 a.m. on 18th August 1940, the Fire Brigade was called out to pump water from the Dock Board Hopper Lyster, which was lying in a sinking condition alongside a wooden jetty in Brunswick Dock. On arrival the pump was placed in position on the jetty, but before pumping operations had begun, the Hopper suddenly heeled over to starboard and sank, smashing the jetty in doing so.

There were 15 men on the Hopper at the time and all were thrown into the water. All but two managed to reach the remains of the jetty, and thence to safety. Two however were clinging to that part of the Hopper which was still above water and were in a position of great danger. Constables Cumming and Woodhead, the latter wearing knee high fireman’s boots, and Dock Gateman Capener, jumped into the dock and swam to the men. Then, with the aid of ropes thrown to them, got them to the wrecked jetty whence they were taken to hospital by ambulance’.

George R. Capener is believed additionally to be entitled to a L.S.& H.S. Marine Medal in bronze.