Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (John Martin, Coast Guard, 8 December 1886.) with integral top riband buckle, suspension claw slack, minor edge bruise, otherwise good very fine £100-£140

Case No 23376:

‘The fishing boat Polly in attempting to reach the shore was capsized in the heavy surf. Martin fastened a rope round his waist, rushed into the sea, and succeeded in rescuing Joseph Garnon, other two men were drowned. The sea was heavy as the lifeboat got upset.’

John Martin/Martyn was born in Minehead, Somerset in September 1837. He joined the Coast Guard as an Ordinary Seaman, and advanced to Commissioned Boatman in May 1877 (awarded the L.S. & G.C. in June 1875). He was stationed at Dinas Cross, Pembrokeshire at the time of the above incident. The rescue occurred in Fishguard Bay, 8 December 1886. Martin retired, 28 September 1887, having reached the compulsory retirement age of fifty and was Shore Pensioned having completed nearly 30 years service.

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