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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 409

Royal National Lifeboat Institution Medal, with Second Service bar, V.R., silver (Mr Edward Jones. Voted 6th January. 1887.), edge bruise, very fine

The original citation states:

'9 December 1886: In a very heavy sea and a northerly gale among breakers in the south-eastern part of Holyhead Bay, Anglesey, the Liverpool ship Pegasus, laden with timber, fired distress signals at 6.30 a.m. She had dragged her anchors and drifted ashore on Treath-y-Gribin. The Holyhead lifeboat Thomas Fielden put out under tow by the tug Challenger, but soon had to be cast off. With the seas making a clean breach over the wreck, Coxswain Jones managed to position the lifeboat under her quarter deck and took off the 20 crewmen and the Pilot. After landing them, the lifeboat piloted a schooner Jane Anwyl to safety'

The citation for the Second Service Bar states:

'9 February 1889: After the Halifax, Nova Scotia barque Glen Grant, from Pensacola, Florida, parted from her cable in a gale while anchored in the New Harbour, Holyhead, Anglesey, she was seen among rocks off Penrhos. Her 13 man crew was taken off by a line put aboard by rocket apparatus. The Holyhead lifeboat helped at the scene'. For their services during this rescue and 'in recognition of their gallant services in the Life-boat, extending over many years', Edward Jones, Coxswain of the Holyhead Lifeboat, was awarded a clasp to his medal and Robert Jones, Assistant Coxswain of the Holyhead Lifeboat, was awarded the R.N.L.I. Silver Medal.'

Edward Jones served alongside his brother Robert (see Lot 410) in the Holyhead Coastguard. A newspaper article further adds colour to the story by stating that 'The Lifeboat crew have also been presented by Mrs "Captain" Pritchard of Trescawen with the sum of £10 for distinguishing themselves during the recent gale.'; sold together with copied extracts from The Lifeboat, Lifeboat gallantry and a typed extract from the Holyhead & Anglesey Mail

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Sold for
£1,800

Starting price
£320