Life Saving Awards from the Collection of John Wilson

A British War Medal / Royal Humane Society Medal pair awarded to Chief Petty Officer Timothy Joseph Sullivan, Royal Navy, awarded for three rescues effected at Monte Video during 1891-92

British War Medal 1914-20 (126200 C.P.O., R.N.); Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (successful) (T. J. Sullivan, A.B., H.M.S. “Cleopatra” 4th April 1891) with Second and Third Award clasps dated ‘13th Novr. 1891’ and 21st Jany. 1892’ respectively, with bronze buckle on ribbon, in case of issue, this last with edge bruising, very fine and better (2)
£500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Life Saving Awards from the Collection of John Wilson.

View
Collection

R.H.S. Bronze Medal (Case No. 25,349): Timothy J. Sullivan, AB, H.M.S. Cleopatra, at great personal risk, rescued John Leaman from drowning off Monte Video, on the 4th April 1891.

R.H.S. 1st Bronze Clasp (Case No. 25,743): Timothy J. Sullivan, AB, H.M.S. Cleopatra, at great personal risk, rescued Private J. H. King RMLI, from drowning at Ensenada, Monte Video, on 13th November 1891.

R.H.S. 2nd Bronze Clasp (Case No. 25,897): Timothy J. Sullivan, AB, H.M.S. Cleopatra, at great personal risk, rescued B. M. Mitchell from drowning at Monte Video, on 21st January 1892.

Timothy Joseph Sullivan was born in St. Andrews, Plymouth, Devonshire on 21 July 1868. He entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 8 January 1884 and was advanced to Boy 1st Class in December 1884. Serving on H.M.S. Agincourt, September 1885- November 1887, he was promoted to Ordinary Seaman in July 1886 and to Able Seaman in October 1886. As an Able Seaman he served on H.M.S. Cleopatra, November 1888-July 1892, during which time he was awarded the R.H.S. Bronze Medal and two clasps for three rescues performed whilst stationed at Monte Video, Uruguay. Although briefly ranked as a Leading Seaman whilst on board the ship, November 1891-January 1892, he finally gained that rank in July 1893 when based at H.M.S. Vivid I. He was further advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class in March 1895 and Petty Officer 1st Class in September 1896 when on H.M.S. Rapid. Sullivan was promoted to Acting Chief Petty Officer in August 1905 when based at H.M.S. Vivid I and was confirmed in that rank in January 1909 when on H.M.S. Cambridge. He was pensioned ashore in July 1911. Chief Petty Officer Sullivan returned to the service in August 1914 and served on H.M. Ships Princess, May 1916-August 1917 and Macedonia, August 1917-October 1918. He was demobilised in January 1919.

In addition to the above, Sullivan was awarded the 1914-15 Star; Victory Medal and Royal Navy L.S. & G.C.

With copied service papers, roll extracts and R.H.S. Committee Meeting extracts.