medal, Sea Gallantry Medal, medals, prize, Britain, B. WYON SC.

Artist: Victoria (1837-1901), ruler - Queen of Great Britain 1837-1901; Date(s): 1881; Classification(s): medal, Sea Gallantry Medal, medals, prize, Britain, B. WYON SC.; Acquisition: bequeathed by McKee, John (Blackheath, d. 2007), 2005-05-21 [CM.6241-2007] Description: The Sea Gallantry Medal was the first official medal rewarding civilian gallantry at sea. Designed by William Wyon, it was instituted by the Board of Trade in 1855, and is awarded by the sovereign of Great Britain on the Board's President's recommendation. It is awarded in silver and bronze, and in its initial size as seen here was not intended to be worn, although this piece bears the remains of a suspension at the top indicating that the recipient did attempt to wear it. In 1903 the medal was reduced in size so that it could be worn in uniform. This example of the medal was awarded to Henry (or "Harry") Meader, one of the crew of the Ramsgate lifeboat who set out to rescue the crew of the wrecked Indian Chief off Clacton Sands on the night of 5th/6th January 1881. This justly famous rescue became the subject of a poem by William McGonagal, but the reader may think Meader's medal a more ageless tribute to his bravery.

Collection

Fitzwilliam Museum

Inventory Number

2548895

Title

medal, Sea Gallantry Medal, medals, prize, Britain, B. WYON SC.

Object Type

Text

Measurements

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