Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Sea Gallantry Medal awarded to Seaman W. J. Hemmings, S.S. Nova Scotia, for a mid-Atlantic rescue in 1929

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., bronze (William J. Hemmings, “Janie E. Blackwood” 12th December 1929) nearly extremely fine £300-£400

Provenance: John Tamplin Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, September 2003.

S.G.M. (Bronze) London Gazette 10 March 1931 ‘William John Hemmings, Seaman, of the British steamship Nova Scotia of Liverpool [in a joint citation with Chief Officer Mr. Alfred Hender; Boatswain Patrick Crane; and Seamen Norman Cody, William Heaps, George Saunderson, and Edward Douglas Thorkilson]:
‘In recognition of the gallantry displayed by them in rescuing the shipwrecked crew of the Newfoundland schooner Janie E. Blackwood which was in distress in the Atlantic Ocean on 12 December 1929.’

‘On 12 December, 1929, the Janie E. Blackwood (a schooner of St John’s, Newfoundland) was in distress in the Atlantic Ocean. Owing to bad weather her boats had been carried away and she had become unseaworthy. Distress signals were made and about 10.30 p.m. the Nova Scotia went to the schooner’s assistance. A very heavy sea was running and the wind was blowing at storm force but notwithstanding these conditions, a lifeboat was sent away in charge of Mr Hender, being manned by the crew named [6 men, including William James Hemmings]. After some difficulty the 10 members of the crew of the Janie E. Blackwood were taken off. Considerable risk was incurred by the boat’s crew owing to the prevailing weather conditions which were so severe that the lifeboat could not be recovered.’ (Department of Trade and Industry (Marine Division) Records refer).

Seven Bronze Medals were awarded for this rescue. Hemmings received his without ceremony from the Superintendent of the Mercantile Marine Office at Bristol on 26 September 1931.

Sold with copied research including a photographic image of the recipient.