Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 20002 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Space Exploration
Lot: 528

(x) Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society Marine Medal, 3rd Type, silver (To Lt. Comdt. B. J. Parker. R.N. For Gallant Service. 8/10/30.), with top silver brooch bar, in fitted case of issue, good very fine

The 92nd Annual Report of the Liverpool Shipwreck & Humane Society for the Year ending 1 July 1931, states:

'Silver Marine Medal and Certificate of Thanks each to Lieut. Commander Berkeley James Parker, R.N. (retired), Superintendent of Bar Dredging, and Captain Richard William Pritchard, of the S.P.D. Leviathan, and Bronze Marine Medal and Certificate of Thanks each to the members of the Leviathan's crew, for rescuing the crew, four in number, of the motor yacht Murali, in distress on the Taylor's Bank, River Mersey, on the 8th October, 1930.

At 5.53am, whilst Leviathan was outward bound to the deposit site, a red flare was observed from a vessel in distress on Taylor's Bank, close behind the revetment and west of C3 Black Beacon Buoy. As it could be seen that the crew of the vessel were in imminent danger of losing their lives, steps were immediately taken to render assistance. Volunteers were called and all the men readily available at the time answered the call. At 6.15am, the Leviathan's motor boat was successfully lowered and proceeded towards the yacht. Its attempts proved unsuccessful, and at 6.35am the gig-boat was lowered and taken in tow by the motor boat. After some very anxious moments the gig-boat eventually reached the yacht and took the crew on board.'

Berkeley James Parker was born on 25 January 1897 at West Norwood, Surrey, the son of harness and carriage dealer James William Parker and his wife, Florence Lohmann. He spent his childhood living in Lambeth and Brighton, before serving as a probationary Midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve aboard Centurion from 23 December 1913 (The Navy List, November 1914, refers). Posted to Magic and Pembroke for the majority of the Great War, he transferred to the Royal Navy with the rank of Sub Lieutenant on 25 January 1918.

Described as 'keen and capable' by his superiors aboard Royal Oak, he was recognised for his reliability and desire not to get 'caught up in games'. However, this is not to say that all his testimonials were glowing, as shown by an entry from Commander Pell whilst aboard Cambridge in May 1920:

'Unsuitable for Duty of Executive Officer - requires a more thorough experience of naval discipline and customs before again being employed in a small ship.'

Nevertheless, Parker witnessed steady promotion to Lieutenant Commander before being placed upon the Retired List on 15 February 1923. His officer's papers also confirm employment with the Mersey Docks & Harbour Board and a period of convalescence spanning 28 days at the Royal Hospital Haslar, Gosport, from 12 September 1941. Having witnessed service during both World Wars, Parker died on 17 July 1975 whilst living at 46A Navarino Road, Worthing, West Sussex.


Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.