A fine Collection of Life Saving Awards

Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners Royal Benevolent Society, silver (O. Nilson, Bo’sun, S.S. “Wearwood” October 15. 1930) 6th type suspension, with ‘double-dolphin’ slip bar and silver buckle on ribbon, official correction to date, good very fine £200-250

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

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‘The following report of the rescue of the crew of the schooner, Faustina, of St. John’s, Newfoundland, by the S.S. Wearwood, of Middlesborough (Captain F. W. A. Hurworth), was published by the Mercantile Marine Department of the Board of Trade.

The Faustina, carrying a crew of six persons, was in distress in the North Atlantic on the morning of the 15th October, 1930, when the S.S. Wearwood proceeded to her assistance.

At this time the weather conditions were fine with a moderate north-westerly wind, but a heavy swell was running. A lifeboat was sent away from the Wearwood, in charge of the first mate, Mr J. W. Fryatt, being manned by D. B. Storey (Apprentice), O. Nilson (Bo’sun) and W.E. Wills (A.B.). and after about one and a half hours the six members of the crew of the schooner were taken off and transferred to the steamer.

Owing to the heavy swell at the time the rescuing boat required very careful manoeuvring in order to prevent it from striking the Faustina and thus being capsized.

Note: The Dominion Government of Newfoundland have awarded a formal letter of thanks to the Captain of the Wearwood.’ (taken from the Society’s Annual Report).

The Society’s Silver Medal was awarded to Captain Hurworth of the Wearwood and to Chief Officer Fryatt and the three members of the boat’s crew. The Captain and Chief Officer were also awarded the Society’s Emil Robin Award; it being adjudged the most meritorious rescue for the year 1930. With copied research.