Lot 430

Description

Water rescue citation, a signed and sealed letter from the Municipality of Waverly Council recording its appreciation for the bravery displayed by Mr Bert Doherty in rescuing Miss T.Kirby from drowning off the rocks at Ben Buckler, North Bondi on Sunday 18th March 1923, signed by C.W.Kavenagh, Mayor and L.W.Beagley, Town Clerk and outlining full details of the rescue. Glued to backing paper, aged and with some foxing, some short tears at edges, otherwise very good.

This was one of the most famous rescues of all times when lifesaver Rob Chalmers risked his life to save Miss Kirby who had been swept off the rocks and who could not swim. They were both rescued by Bert Doherty and his two brothers in their fishing boat after managing to make the perilous journey around the point at Ben Buckler in spite of very heavy seas. Chalmers was awarded the Surf Life Saving Society's Meritorious Award.