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Auction: 23112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 678

(x) The Royal Society Bronze Medal group of three awarded to Chief Gunner's Mate J. H. Brookshaw, Royal Navy

Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal (John Henri Brookshaw. 16 July. 1876.) note incorrectly spelled middle name; Baltic 1854, unnamed as issued; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., wide suspension (J. H. Brookshaw. Chf Gunrs. Mate. H.M.S. Cambridge 20 yrs), the date privately engraved, the suspension of first and second sometime replaced, contact marks and edge bruises overall, nearly very fine (3)

John Henry Brookshaw was born in Stonehouse, Devon on 4 August 1823 and enlisted with the Royal Navy on 24 July 1839 as a Boy 2nd Class. Stationed first with Crocodile from 24 July 1839 before transferring to the outdated battleship Caledonia on 7 May 1942. Appointed Ordinary Seaman with H.M.S. America he later joined Meander on 9 November 1847 being rated 'Captain of the Mizzen Top' while with her.

After four years with her Brookshaw removed to Rosamund with the rating of Sailmaker's Crew, while that ship was on the West Indies Station. Posted to Hannibal on 23 March 1854 as Gunner's Mate, it was to be with this ship that Brookshaw, saw action in the Baltic. Hannibal was later also to join the action in the Black Sea with some 62 of her crew even being entitled to the Azoff Clasp, Brookshaw was one of these (Medal and Clasp).

Finally posted to the Gunnery training ship H.M.S. Cambridge as Chief Gunner's Mate on 3 January 1856. Awarded his L.S. & G.C. with this ship Brookshaw was finally discharged on 26 September 1962. After the end of his career in the Navy he continued to serve, joining the steam-tug Scotia. He was with this vessel that he earned the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal, the 1877 Annual Report states:

'J. H. Brookshaw ran over the rough rocks, jumped into deep water, brought the man near the shore, and was assisted out, both being entangled in the weeds'

This act of bravery occurred at the Mount Wise 'bathing place', Devonport on 16 July 1876. He had saved the lived of Samuel Davey, a Seaman with the tug Seotia. Brookshaw was listed as living at Rose Cottage, Mount Wise, Devonport at the time; sold together with copied service records and recommendations for award.

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

Sold for
£550

Starting price
£550