Lot 3172

Description

Royal Humane Society of Australasia, Instd. A.D.1874, bronze medal, inscribed 'Samuel Francis/Bennett/23rd March 1904'; also fob medal, hand engraved in gold (18ct, 17.0g, 28x28mm), uncertain maker, ring top suspension, reverse inscribed 'To/Samuel Bennett/for rescuing/George Haddrell/From Drowning At/New Plymouth/March 23rd 1904'. Extremely fine; very fine. (2)

The first medal in case of issue with gold lettering on front 'Presented By/The Royal Humane Society/of Australasia/To/Samuel Francis Bennett/9th June 1904'.

(from Wills, page 143) Case Number 2171 - Samuel Francis Bennett - Bronze Medal:

Samuel Francis Bennett, of South Road, New Plymouth, a railway fireman, 24, and Murray Herbert White (Case Number 2172), of Currie Street, New Plymouth, a train examiner, 19, rescued George Arthur Haddrell, of Robe Street, New Plymouth, a railway fireman, 24 from drowning at New Plymouth, on 23 March 1904. Haddrell was caught in the undercurrent, and could not get back. Bennett seeing his danger, jumped off his engine into the sea, and swam to his assistance, but was not able to get him ashore. White then jumped in, and assisted to get Haddrell back, after great difficulty.