Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Plym Tamar Lynher and Tavy Humane Society, silver (To Mr J. T. Taunton, who risked his own to save another’s Life on the 6th August 1842.) unmounted, minor edge bruising, good very fine, rare £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of Peter and Dee Helmore.

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One of seven known examples of the Plym Tamar Lynher and Tavy Humane Society Medal for the period 1832-61.

‘On 6th August 1842 Mr Joseph Taunton of Burgoyne Place saved a lad about 14 years of age. The lad was bathing under the Hoe and had sunk twice when Mr Taunton sprung into the water fully clothed and brought him to safety’. (The Western Times and Woolmer’s Exeter & Plymouth Gazette 20 August 1842 refers).

Believed to be Joseph Tanner Taunton, who was born in Devonport on 11 October 1824. As a 17-year old bank clerk he saved a lad from drowning under the Hoe at Plymouth. He sadly died from tuberculosis less than five years later, at Bodmin on 15 June 1849, aged 24.

Sold with copied research.