Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension (Denis Ahern. Bos. Mate H.M.S. Undaunted) impressed naming, very fine £100-£140

Denis Ahern was born in Aghada, County Cork, on 16 November 1850, and joined the Royal Navy as Boy 2nd Class on 10 August 1865. Advanced Able Seaman in H.M.S. Charybdis on 30 November 1868, and Leading Seaman at the R.N. Barracks on 1 February 1875, he later served as Chief Petty Officer in H.M. Ships Achilles, Dolphin and Duncan before being shore pensioned on 13 January 1889.

Ahern was later awarded a Bronze Medal by the Royal Humane Society for his exertions in saving the life of John Hayes on 15 June 1899 who nearly drowned whilst bathing in the River Shannon at Castle Connell; ‘great risk was incurred, the river being 360 yards wide and very treacherous.’