Militaria and Medals relating to Jamaica and the West Indies

Royal Humane Society, small silver medal (successful) (C. McFarlane, 12th Oct. 1927) with silver buckle on ribbon, good very fine £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Militaria and Medals relating to Jamaica and the West Indies.

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McFarlane, C., Chief Officer of the S.S. Chakla (R.H.S. Case no. 49,160)

‘On the 12th November, 1927, the S.S. Chakla on voyage from Bombay to Karachi, sighted a native boat flying a distress signal and in a derelict condition. A heavy gale was blowing at the time and the light failing; nearing her, figures were seen clinging to the bottom of the vessel, ropes were thrown and the crew were told to jump for their lives; in this way five reached safety. During this time the dhow was being heavily dashed against the sides of the streamer and was breaking up, it being miraculous that any of the crew were rescued without being crushed. At the last moment a man was seen crouching in the stern of the dhow. A rope was thrown, but he was too frightened and exhausted to help himself.

Then Mr McFarlane, the chief officer, climbed over the rails, down the rope ladder, and jumping on to the dhow, seized the man, swung him on to the ladder and brought him to safety. In view of the mountainous seas and the practical certainty of the officer being either swept off the ladder or crushed between the two vessels, it was a very gallant action.

The dhow was then cast adrift and almost at once turned turtle and broke up.’ (Ref. Acts of Gallantry, Vol. II).