Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

R.S.P.C.A. Life Saving Medal, bronze (Coastguard G. A. Ward 1934) with integral top ‘For Humanity’ riband bar, nearly extremely fine £60-£80

George Albert Ward was born in Wandsworth, London, on 2 March 1908, and served as a Coastguard in Pembrokeshire. He was awarded his R.S.P.C.A. Bronze Medal ‘for his courage and humanity in the rescue of two puppies from coastal rocks alongside Marine Walk, Fishguard, on 12 January 1954, and for the rescue of a sheepdog from a ledge at Penainglas Rock, Goodwick, North Pembrokeshire, on 31 March 1954’.

The Western Telegraph and the Pembrokeshire County Guardian contained the following report of the first rescue:
‘Two cross-bred puppies, with a strong Alsatian strain, born two months ago on a ledge 80 feet down a cliff face at Marine Walk Fishguard, were rescued by coastguards last Wednesday. Police and Coastguards went to the spot after it had been reported that whimpering had been heard on the cliff on a few occasions. At about midnight, and in the light of a searchlight, Coastguard G. A. Ward was lowered down the cliff. Just as he got to the ledge the mother dashed off and disappeared. The puppies were huddled together under a gorse bush. Despite the exposed position and the fact that they had been there since birth, they were in good condition, and had been well cared for by their mother. The coastguard brought the puppies to the top in an overcoat. The rescue operations were directed by Station Officer P. Watkins, who said afterwards: “I think Mr. Ward has done a good job. He has risked his life.” The pups have been adopted by a local fisherman.’

Sold with the recipient’s original Parchment Bestowal Certificate, dated 18 November 1954, and mounted in a glazed display frame; and copied research.