Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Moray Floods Medal 1829, 41mm, silver, the obverse featuring a view of the Bridge over the Spey at Fochabers, partially destroyed by the river in a raging flood, the reverse inscribed in raised lettering (name of recipient and service impressed), ‘Presented by the Central Committee for the Flood Fund to Robert Mackay Floods as an Honorary Reward for his Courage and Humanity shewn at the Great Flood August 4th 1829’, planchet only, edge bruising, very fine £400-£500

After torrential rain over Northeast Scotland on the night of 3-4 August 1829 there was widespread flooding, with many rivers overflowing their banks and several bridges being swept away. Buildings and crops were destroyed, animals were drowned, and communities were cut off. The loss of human life was mercifully small and can in part be ascribed to the aid given by local fishermen and others who went out in small boats to aid those in peril. In the aftermath, a medal was struck by the Central Committee for the Flood Fund to be awarded to those who had gallantly provided their services. See ‘The Moray Floods Medal’ by A. J. Henderson, L.S.A.R.S. Journal 8, p.3 - 7.