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Auction: 9024 - The Property of a Gentleman Orders, Decorations and Campaign Medals
Lot: 716

Sea Gallantry Medal, G.V.R., bronze (Leonard H. Davies. "Delhi" 13. Dec. 1911.), polished, very fine Estimate £ 300-400 The 8,090 ton Peninsular and Oriental liner Delhi with 85 first class passengers on board, including the Duke and Duchess of Fife (H.R.H. the Princess Royal) and their two daughters, Princess Alexandra and Princess Maud, was bound from London to Bombay via Marseilles. At about 2am on the 13th December, 1911, the ship ran ashore in very rough weather some two miles from Cape Spartel. There was a strong westerly wind and very heavy rain. A wireless call was immediately sent out and was picked up by the station at Cadiz and within a short time several men-of-war were speeding to the wreck. Amongst the first ships to arrive were H.M.S. London and H.M.S. Duke of Edinburgh. At about 11am Rear-Admiral Sir C. Cradock brought a boat from the Duke of Edinburgh alongside and with great difficulty took off the Royal Party from the Delhi. On her way back the boat was swamped not far from shore and everyone thrown into the water, Princess Alexandra having a narrow escape from drowning. Eventually all came to land safely. 6 silver and 13 bronze Sea Gallantry Medals were awarded for this action.

Sold for
£360