Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Life Saving Medal, in the form of an engraved gold cross with coronet above, 40mm including coronet suspension x 28mm, gold (9ct., hallmarks for Birmingham 1913), the obverse inscribed ‘Presented to James Pitt for Gallant Conduct’, the reverse inscribed, ‘By Alfred Hallett for rescuing him from drowning in the Tyne on 5th July 1916’, suspended from a watch fob chain with ‘mother-of-pearl’ bauble affixed, good very fine £160-£200

Provenance: Jack Boddington Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, December 2006.

‘On 5 July 1916, 39 year old James Pitt was strolling on the banks of the River Tyne when he saw a man, Alfred Hallett, who had apparently fallen into the river and was in danger of drowning. James Pitt entered the water and, with some difficulty brought Alfred Hallett to the safety of the bank. The Tyne, a busy and bustling river, with shipyards ands docks abounding is a notorious waterway suffering from many drowning accidents each year. Alfred Hallett, to show his gratitude, subsequently presented a gold medal to James Pitt.’