The Collection of Life Saving Awards formed by The Late W.H. Fevyer

A Sea Gallantry Medal group of five awarded to Able Seaman Patrick Kearns, Merchant Navy, for services in rescuing the crew of the Volumnia in the Atlantic Ocean, 1929

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., silver (Patrick Kearns “Volumnia” 8th December 1929); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45; Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea, 2nd small type, bronze (A.B. Patrick Kearns, S.S. “Volumnia” 1929) mounted for wear, nearly extremely fine (5) £600-700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Life Saving Awards formed by The Late W.H. Fevyer.

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Ex Edrington Collection 1980.

‘On the 8th December 1929, the British S.S. Volumnia of Glasgow was in distress in very bad weather in the Atlantic Ocean; in response to distress signals the S.S. Manchester Regiment went to her assistance, and having approached, waited for a lull in the storm before attempting a rescue. Shortly after 9 o’clock, despite the very dangerous sea running, the Master of the Manchester Regiment decided to attempt a rescue, and a boat was launched, in charge of the Second Mate, Mr Downing, with a crew consisting of Mr Espley, Third Mate, Bromage, Manin, Stringer, Kearns, Chidlow and Mr Ziegler. Very great difficulty was experienced in keeping the boat afloat, but by skilful manoeuvring Mr Downing, though badly injured in the hand in the launching of the boat, made two trips to the Volumnia and the entire forty-five members of the crew of that vessel were eventually taken off. The rescuing boat was badly damaged and abandoned’. (Ref. Gallantry, p.418/419).

For their part in the rescue, all the above, including Mr Ziegler - a passenger on board the Manchester Regiment, were awarded the S.G.M. in silver. The Board of Trade awarded plate to Captain Philip Linton, master of the Manchester Regiment; binoculars each to Mr Downing and Espley and monetary awards to each of the above men. Lloyd’s awarded their silver medal for saving life at sea to Captain Linton and the two mates, and bronze medals to members of the boats crew.

Sold with several copied reports of the rescue, including copied extracts from the Manchester Guardian, 30 January 1930 and the Lloyd’s List, 31 December 1929 and 30 January 1930.