Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Humane Society, small silver medal (successful) (Lieut. Charles Henry Bayly. R.N. H.M.S. “Encounter”. 26 Mar. 1880) with integral top riband buckle, in fitted case of issue, suspension claw loose, good very fine, £300-£400

Royal Humane Society: ‘To Lieutenant Charles Henry Bayly, Royal Navy, for a rescue on the 26 March, 1880. When H.M.S. Encounter was in Lat 23.13N and Long 117.41E, William Yarwood, Ordinary Seaman, went overboard whilst the vessel was going under steam at over 7 knots. On hearing the cry “Man Overboard”, Lieutenant Bayly rushed on deck and jumped to the rescue. He succeeded in reaching Yarwood, who was insensible and all but drowned, and supported him until he could reach a lifebuoy which had been thrown overboard. A boat was launched and some ten minutes later they were picked up. The danger incurred by Lieutenant Bayly was much enhanced by the close proximity of shark-infested reefs.’

Charles Henry Bayly was born in April 1853 and joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet in April 1867. He was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant in October 1873, and was promoted Lieutenant in December 1877; Commander in June 1891; and Captain in June 1897. He commanded H.M.S. Monarch during the Boer War off Cape Colony from February 1900 to May 1902 (entitled to a Queen's South Africa Medal), and retired in April 1903. He was promoted Rear-Admiral (retired) in April 1907, and died in May 1927.

Sold with a photographic image of the recipient; and copied research.