Lot 710

Description

National Shipwreck Releif Society of N.S.W., in silver (45 mm) with ribbon and clasp suspension. Rev. inscribed 'Awarded to/Alfred P. Conolly/For Saving Life/in Sydney Harbour/23rd November, 1898'. Good extremely fine.

Alfred Phillip Connolly, Engineer of the North Shore Ferry Co.'s S.S.'Wallaby' on the 23rd November, 1898, the S.S. 'Wallaby' and the Government Laungh 'Leila' collided in the harbour, where they immediately foundered and a passanger named J. Buttle, having entangled with a line in his feet, was being taken down with the sinking vessel, being unable to free himself. Observing this Connolly immediately sprang and swam to his assistance, rescuing him from his perilous predicament, bringing him to the side of the 'Wallaby'; where they were hauled on board. Silver medal presented at Sydney Town Hall on 21 August, 1899 by His Excellency the Governor, Earl Beauchamp.