Six: Captain A. G. Cubitt, Royal Naval Reserve

Transport 1899-1902, 2 clasps, S. Africa 1899-1902, China 1900 (A. G. Cubitt, In Command); 1914-15 Star (Commr, R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (Commr., R.N.R.); Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, G.V.R., hallmarks for London 1928; Royal Humane Society Medal, small, bronze, successful (Albert George Cubitt, 1 May 1885) bronze buckle on ribbon, last with edge bruising, otherwise extremely fine (6) £1300-1600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals relating to the Boer War formed by two brothers.

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George Albert Cubitt was born in Louvain, Belgium, on 22 September 1854. He joined the training ship Conway in 1868 and commenced his sea going career in 1870. He served three years under sail and the remaining 35 years in steamships of the P. & O. Line.
On the 1 May 1885 while serving as Chief Officer of the P. & O. steamer Poona he saw the chief officer of the S.S. Scam, Mr R Peters fall overboard whilst his ship was underway in Bombay Harbour. In the fall Mr Peters broke his leg. Mr Cubitt jumped into the water taking a life belt with him, he reached Mr Peters and supported him until a steam launch arrived, thereby saving his life. A strong tide was running at the time and there was a danger from sharks. For this rescue Mr Cubitt was awarded the Royal Humane Society bronze medal. He joined the Royal Naval Reserve and by 1899 he had completed a year’s training and held a certificate in either gunnery or torpedo; in 1902 he was promoted to Commander. His Royal Naval Reserve Decoration was awarded on the 25 Aug 1916 (London Gazette 29 August 1916). Captain Cubitt’s ship the Formosa was requisitioned as a war transport for both the South African Boer War 1899-1902 and the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900. As a Commander, R.N.R. he served during the Great War. Captain Cubitt, latterly of Argyll Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, died on 4 February 1934.

With a file of copied research.