Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Lloyd’s Bronze Medal for Saving Life awarded to Able Seaman R. J. Eddys, for the rescue of the crew of the ‘Gwladys’

Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea, 2nd small type bronze (R. J. Eddys. Gwladys. 4th. January. 1906.) in case of issue, nearly extremely fine £160-£200

‘In the month of January 1906, the British Steamer Balakani sighted the Newfoundland schooner Gwladys flying signals of distress. She was practically derelict, everything on deck having been washed away, with only the masts left standing and the crew lashed to the pumps. A high and confused sea was running at the time, making a clear breach over the schooner. There was no hope of it moderating, and the launching of a boat by the Balakani was attended with considerable danger. A boat, however, was lowered and the crew of 5 men rescued after a severe struggle. The slightest hitch in the proper management of the boat would have meant a certain loss of the boat and everyone in her.’

Robert James Eddys was born in Bangor on 17 May 1877 and is recorded in 1906 as a resident of 69 Ballymagee Street, Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland. For the gallantry displayed during the rescue, Lloyd’s saw fit to award a silver medal to Alexander Henry, First Officer, and bronze medals to four members of his crew, including Eddys.

Sold with extensive copied research, including a portrait photograph of the recipient whilst serving in the Mercantile Marine.