ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY MEDAL (Small Bronze)
OFFICIALLY ENGRAVED
To: MIDSHIPMAN F.A. GATAKER. R.N. H.M.S. GALATEA.
8th JANry 1864.

Mr Frank Gataker tried unsuccessfully to rescue AB John Fag who fell overboard during a voyage from Vera Cruz to Jamaica.

(CITATION READS)
NOBLE CONDUCT OF A MIDSHIPMAN.- On the 8th of January, on the passage of HMS GALATEA, (26), Captsin Maguire, from Vera Cruz to Jamaica, the deep sea lead line was being passed along to take sounding on the banks of the coast of Yuchatan,when a seaman a JOHN FAG, became entangled in the line just as the lead was let go, and fell overboard. He held on to the line for some time, and was actually towed a short distance. MR GATAKER, a midshipman,who was on deck, the moment the cry "A man overboard !" was heard, seeing poor Fag's situation, at once jumped after him from one of the quarter boats, although the ship was then going five to six knots. He struck out at once for the drowning man, but the poor fellow's strength was exhausted, and he sank before Mr Gataker could reach him. The ship was hove to, and a boat lowered,and the brave midshipman welcomed on board again by his shipmates and friends.

AN EXCELLENT ROYAL NAVAL OFFICER'S AWARD.
PRACTICALLY MINT STATE WITH ORIGINAL BRONZE CLAW CLASP.

£495