Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An inter-war S.G.M. and Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society group of six awarded to Boatswain J. H. Kjellberg, Merchant Navy

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., bronze (John Helmer Kjellberg, “Ria”, 16th November 1931), in its fitted case of issue; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society’s Medal for Lifesaving, small, bronze (To John H. Kjellberg, For Gallant Service, 16/11/31), good very fine and better (6) £400-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Awards to Merchant Seamen and D.E.M.S. Gunners.

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John Helmer Kjellberg, who was born in Stockholm in December 1899, was serving as a Boatswain in the S.S. Aztec, of Bristol, at the time of winning his S.G.M. and Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Medal. Board of Trade records state:

‘On the night of 16 November 1931, the Newfoundland schooner Ria, of St. John’s, was in distress in the North Atlantic Ocean. For several days the vessel had encountered stormy weather, which had carried away the sails, and, by 16 November, the Ria was leaking badly. Her signals of distress were observed about 9.30 p.m. by the S.S. Aztec, of Bristol, which altered course towards her. A rough sea, with a high confused swell, was running and the wind was blowing at gale force; and in view of the unfavourable conditions, the Master of the schooner did not expect a rescue to be attempted before daylight. The Aztec, however, at once took up a position to windward in order to launch a lifeboat. Difficulty was experienced and several oars were lost or broken sending away a lifeboat. Further difficulty was encountered in getting the boat alongside the Ria, but the distressed crew of six hands was eventually taken off and transferred to the Aztec.’

Sold with brief research.