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

A Sea Gallantry Medal group of three awarded to Assistant Steward George Scott Bruce, Merchant Navy, awarded three medals for services in rescuing the crew of the Ria in the North Atlantic, 1931

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., bronze (George Scott Bruce “Ria” 16th November 1931); Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Marine Medal, 3rd issue, bronze (To George S. Bruce, For Gallant Service, 16/11/31) with bronze brooch bar; Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners Royal Benevolent Society, G.V.R., 6th type, silver (G. Bruce, S.S. “Aztec”-Schr. “Ria” November 16, 1931) straight bar suspension, with ‘double-dolphin’ slip bar and silver buckle on ribbon, mounted for wear, good very fine and better (3) £650-750

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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Ref. Spink Exhibition 1985, No. 120.

‘On the night of the 16th November 1931, the Newfoundland schooner Ria of St. John’s was in distress in the North Atlantic Ocean. For several days the vessel had encountered stormy weather, which had carried away the sails, and by 16th November the Ria was leaking badly. Her signals of distress were observed about 9.30 p.m. by the S.S. Aztec of Bristol, which altered course towards her. A rough sea, with high confused swell, was running and the wind was blowing at gale force; and in view of the unfavourable conditions, the Master of the schooner did not expect a rescue to be attempted before daylight. The Aztec, however, at once took up a position to windward in order to launch a life-boat. Difficulty was experienced and several oars were lost or broken in sending away a life-boat in charge of Mr Baker and manned by the men named. Further difficulty was encountered in getting the boat alongside the Ria, but the distressed crew of six hands were eventually taken off and transferred in safety to the Aztec. (Ref. Gallantry, p. 431).

Eight men of the Aztec were awarded the S.G.M. in bronze for this rescue.