Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Board of Trade Medal for Humanity in Saving Life at Sea awarded to Richard Firman, Master of the S.S. Whitehall

Board of Trade Medal for Humanity in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, silver (Richard Firman Wreck of the “Moel Rhiwan” on the 13th February 1884) in (scuffed) maroon leather case of issue, edge bruising, very fine £600-£800

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, September 2011.

‘The Board of Trade have awarded their Silver Medal to Mr R. Firman, Master of the steamship Whitehall, of London, in recognition of his humanity in standing by the barque Moel Rhiwan of Carnarvon, which was in a sinking state and sending a small boat in a heavy sea to the rescue of the shipwrecked crew. The Board have also awarded their Bronze Medal to the two men who manned the boat in acknowledgement of their gallant conduct.’ (The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett refers).

In addition to the above, Mr James Leys Henderson, 2nd Mate of steamship Rydall Hall, was awarded the Silver Medal for Gallantry for rescuing a man from the Moel Rhiwan on 12 February, when the vessel was in difficulties off The Smalls - 20 miles west of St. David’s Peninsula, Pembrokeshire.

A total of 37 ‘Humanity’ Medals in Silver were awarded.