Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, ‘In Memoriam’ Medallion (“In Memoriam” Prsented by the Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society to Mr & Mrs H. M. Waddington, in memory of their son, Frank Samuel Waddington who was drowned when making a gallant attempt to save the lives of others on 26th Nov. 1939), 58mm., frosted silver medal, framed and glazed, edge engraved, in original fitted case, extremely fine, rare £700-800

The Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society ‘In Memoriam’ Medal was awarded to the next of kin of those who gave their lives in making a gallant rescue attempt. The first issue of an ‘In Memoriam’ medal was probably made in 1878, the last was issued in 1970. A total of 50 medals have been issued resulting from 38 incidents. For further details see the article ‘The “In Memoriam” Medallion of the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society’ by E. Gordon Williams, L.S.A.R.S. No.26, p.4-11.

Citation: ‘Silver ‘In Memoriam’ Medallion each to the parents of the late John Kenneth Lancaster; John Spencer Tully; Frank Samuel Waddington; Peter Moss Horswell, boathands in the Liverpool Pilot Service, who were drowned while making a gallant effort to save the lives of others when the Liverpool Pilot Boat No.1 stranded on the beach at Ainsdale, Southport, on the 26th November 1939.’

Carnegie Hero Trust Fund, Annual Report 1940 (Case No.6488): ‘John Kenneth Lancaster (22), senior apprentice pilot; John Spencer Tully (19), apprentice pilot; Peter Moss Horswell (21), apprentice pilot and Frank Samuel Waddington (19), apprentice pilot, lost their lives on 26th November 1939 in going to the assistance of a boathand after their pilot boat had stranded on Ainsdale Beach, near Southport. The wind was of gale force, with heavy squalls and enormous seas, and it was very dark. After the boat stranded, two motor punts and a pulling punt were lowered and secured on the lee side, to be ready in case of emergency. Some time later, the pulling punt, with one occupant, broke adrift. Horswell and Waddington set out in the larger of the two motor punts, and got the boat in tow, but, when still about 20 yards from the pilot boat, someone cried “This engine is conking out”, and the two punts disappeared in a heavy sea. After obtaining the captain’s permission, Lancaster accompanied by Tully, went off to the rescue in the lower-powered motor punt, but he and his companion also were drowned.’

The Carnegie Hero Trust Fund Committee awarded Memorial Certificates and £75 to the parents of each of the four dead rescuers.