Cape Colony: Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners' Royal Benevolent Society |
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| Form: | Circular with attached loop | ||||||||
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| By: | Davis, Birmingham | ||||||||
| Date: | 1857 | ||||||||
| Ref: |
Laidlaw: 1228; |
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| Variations: |
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| Edge: |
Plain. Inscribed:“EDWARD WEATHERBY 1857”. |
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| Obverse: |
Raised reeded rim.Two overlapping upright ovals with Admiral Lord Nelson (left) and distressed sailing ship on rocks (right). Nautical scenes left and right. Above, sprig of laurel (left) and oak (right) tied with a ribbon and above that, crown. Crossed flags behind, British Union (left) and flag of the society (right). Signed below: "DAVIS (left) BIRM. (right). Scene below of shipwreck on stormy sea. On shore, three figures, Woman crying and man kneeling beside drowned man. Legend on a band above in gothic script: “Shipwrecked Fishermen & Mariners Royal Benevolent Society” and below: “ESTABD. A.D. 1839 / INCOD. BY ACT OF PARLT. 1850”. |
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| Reverse: |
Raised reeded rim. Across: "“PRESENTED (in an arc) / FOR / HEROIC EXERTIONS / IN SAVING LIFE / FROM DROWNING / (line) / JOB XXIX.13 (Bible: The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy)". Legend (Nelson's exhortation before the Battle of Trafalgar) on a band: "ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY". Compass star at foot. |
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| Notes: |
The suspension has been removed from this medal and a ring for a fob chain attached. Correctly, a riveted suspension bar with a pair of dolphins for a blue corded ribbon with a brooch clasp at the top. The Society was established in 1839 to fund lifeboat stations and to provide support to the families of those who had perished on the sea. This life saving medal was awarded to Edward Weatherby in 1857. He was a crew member of the Table Bay lifeboat which on four separate occasions between the 6th and 14th June went to the rescue of fishing vessels in distress. Altogether 64 lives were saved. The Cape Town Port Captain, Lieut. WP Jamison RN., was awarded the gold medal and his lifeboat crew the silver medal. Further information at https://shipwreckedmariners.org.uk/skill-and-gallantry-awards/gold-medal-1857/ |
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