Lot 3174

Description

Royal Humane Society of New Zealand, Type I, bronze medal (38mm), no maker, suspender with ribbon and bar with pin-back, reverse inscribed 'Awarded to/Alan McIvor Stevenson/In Recognition of/Bravery/1914' (O&D.126). Cased, extremely fine with papers.

(Courtesy - J.Wills - 'Zealandia's Brave').

Case Number: 371
Alan McIvor Stevenson
Bronze Medal

On 16 November, 1913, a heavy and treacherous sea was running at the time, Mr J.E.Packman, 35, ventured into the water at Napier, and when he tried to return he found he was unable to do so owing to the strong backwash, and realising his danger he called for help. Alan Stevenson, 16, who was on the beach at the time, immediately went to his assistance, and after considerable exertion and a hard struggle through the surf reached Packman, and held him up, as it was quite impossible for him to attempt to gain the shore with Mr Packman, so called for help, and so attracted the attention of his brother Ken Stevenson, who immediately obtained the use of the surf-reel which was handy, and relieved him of his burden.