The Collection of British Orders, Decorations and Medals formed by the late Fred Rockwood

A Sea Gallantry Medal awarded to Turner & Mechanic Harry Bell, for his part in the rescue of the crew of the Glenroy, 10 February 1916

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., bronze (Harry Bell, “Glenroy” 10th February 1916) nearly extremely fine £280-320

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of British Orders, Decorations and Medals formed by the late Fred Rockwood.

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‘The steamship Glenroy, of West Hartlepool, stranded at Les Falaises, Algeria, whilst on a voyage from Malta to Bougie and became a total loss. Immediately the vessel stranded, Mr Thomas organised a party which proceeded to the spot with ropes and lights. The rescuers descended a dangerous cliff and proceeded to a large rock near the vessel. A line was then thrown from the ship to the men on the rock, who held the rope while one by one the ship’s crew passed down it on to the rock. There was a strong gale and a heavy sea, which at times submerged the rocks.’ (ref. The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett).

Mr H. Blake Thomas was awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal in Bronze and a silver cup; seven others, including Mr Harry Bell, a Turner and Mechanic, were awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal in Bronze. The medals were ordered on 18 April 1916 and sent to the Algiers Consul General.

The medal with a copied photograph of the Glenroy is contained in a glass-fronted case, 32 x 25.5cm.