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Auction: 22003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 435

(x) The Royal National Lifeboat Institution Medal and Second Service clasp awarded to Mr. C. Ward, Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station

Royal National Lifeboat Institution, V.R., silver (Mr Charles Ward. Voted 11th January 1894.), with uniface ‘double-dolphin’ suspension, and Second Service clasp, this officially inscribed to the reverse 'Voted 11th Jany. 1900', in its fitted Alstons & Hallam case of issue, good very fine

Charles Ward, an Aldeburgh fisherman by trade, joined the Lifeboat as a Bowman in 1892 and served until retirement in 1914. During his service he was granted the Medal for no less than 19 rescues from the period of 12 January 1892-20 November 1893, on which day he effected no less than 3 separate rescues, from the barque Venscapen, the Fox and a third unknown vessel.

His 'Second Service' clasp was awarded when the lifeboat capsized on 7 December 1899;

'Mr Ward, Bowman of the Aldeburgh lifeboat, who was in charge on the occasion, the Coxswain being prevented by illness from going out in the boat. On being washed up on the beach, Ward immediately went back into the water, and at great risk rescued first one and then another of his comrades.'

On that day his lifeboat was going to the assistance of an unknown vessel in a heavy East-South-East gale. Their non-self-righting lifeboat of the Norfolk & Suffolk Class was struck by a heavy curling breaker which stuck broadside, which forced the starboard gunwale under the water and capsizing her. Tragically six men were imprisoned beneath and were drowned. The vessel had been a good one for the Station and had saved some 152 lives in its service to that point. The Committee voted £1,000 to fund for the dependents of the drowned men and paid for all the associated expenses.

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

Sold for
£2,400

Starting price
£900