Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Carnegie Hero Fund Presentation Pocket Watch, silver, with inner cover engraved, ‘Presented by the Trustees of the Carnegie Hero Fund to Frank Williams, Scarborough, for Heroic Endeavour to Save Human Life 31st August 1916’, reverse outer case ornately engraved with ‘CHFT’ (Carnegie Hero Fund Trust) cypher, condition of movement unknown, minor hairline cracks to face, good condition £450-550

‘On the 31st August 1916, a girl got into difficulty while bathing in Cayton Bay, Scarborough, and her brother on going to her help also got into danger. Williams, R. Lewis and Doris A. Blakely all went in and eventually got both out, but the girl did not recover. (Carnegie Case No. 42810).

With a letter to Mr Frank Williams of Woodhurst, Scalby Road, Scarborough, from a representative of the Royal Humane Society, dated 16 October 1916, reading: ‘I have much pleasure in informing you that the Society have awarded you their Bronze Medal for your gallant efforts in connection with the attempt to save the life of Miss Alice Thompson and the saving of the life of her brother John Thompson at Cayton Bay on August 31st. Testimonials on Parchment have also been awarded to your friend Lewis and to Miss Blakeley who assisted. ....’