A fine Collection of Life Saving Awards

Royal National Institute for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, G.IV.R., silver (David F. S. Cahill, Esq., M.D. Voted 2 Augt. 1855) with ‘double-dolphin’ suspension, good very fine £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A fine Collection of Life Saving Awards.

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‘17 June 1855: With a high sea rolling on shore, the result of gales on the previous day, a small boat with two people aboard was seen in peril passing the mouth of the River Tweed. In no doubt that they were heading for disaster, Dr. Cahill persuaded the Master of a small steam tug in Berwick-on-Tweed to go to their rescue. The Doctor and two other volunteers went with the Master and his two man crew. Making the best possible speed, they caught up with the boat just in time to save the seaman and his wife from destruction. Had they arrived 10 or 15 minutes later, the boat would have reached a position where it would have been impossible for the tug to follow. The sea over the bar at the mouth of the river was so heavy that the tug was thrown on her broadside when crossing it on her return.’ (ref. Lifeboat Gallantry, by Barry Cox)