Orkney Rescues
Gallant rescues by servicemen around Orkney and recognised by the Royal Humane Society.
Sub-Lieutenant R.J.E. Dodds R.N.R. & David Sutherland
Aberdeen Weekly Journal - Friday 22 January 1915
Bronze medal to R.J.E. Dodds, Sub-Lieutenant R.N.R., fourth officer the S.S. Peshawur, and a testimonial on vellum to David Sutherland, Wick, for their gallantry in saving a man who fell overboard from the steamer in Scapa Flow, Orkney, on November 17.
Bronze medal to R.J.E. Dodds, Sub-Lieutenant R.N.R., fourth officer the S.S. Peshawur, and a testimonial on vellum to David Sutherland, Wick, for their gallantry in saving a man who fell overboard from the steamer in Scapa Flow, Orkney, on November 17.
Army and Navy Gazette - Saturday 23 January 1915
REWARDS FOR GALLANTRY
At its first meeting for the year, on Jan. 18, the committee of the Royal Humane Society, presided over by Admiral Sir G. D. Morant, made the following awards:--
Medal to Sub-Lieut. R. J. E. Dodds, R.N.R., for his assistance in saving a man who fell overboard from the steamship Peshawar in Scapa Flow, Orkney, on Nov. 17.
REWARDS FOR GALLANTRY
At its first meeting for the year, on Jan. 18, the committee of the Royal Humane Society, presided over by Admiral Sir G. D. Morant, made the following awards:--
Medal to Sub-Lieut. R. J. E. Dodds, R.N.R., for his assistance in saving a man who fell overboard from the steamship Peshawar in Scapa Flow, Orkney, on Nov. 17.
RHS Report: 1915
On the 17th November 1914, a seaman was accidentally knocked overboard from the SS Peshawar at Scapa Flow, Orkney, it being nearly dark at the time. Dodds and David Sutherland both went after him and supported him until a boat reached them.
Testimonial on vellum to Sutherland.
On the 17th November 1914, a seaman was accidentally knocked overboard from the SS Peshawar at Scapa Flow, Orkney, it being nearly dark at the time. Dodds and David Sutherland both went after him and supported him until a boat reached them.
Testimonial on vellum to Sutherland.
The King awards the siIver medal for gallantry (April 1915)
Dundee Courier - Tuesday 13 April 1915
BRITISH MEDAL FOR A NORWEGIAN SAILOR WHO RESCUED MAN AT KIRKWALL. The King has, on the recommendation of the President of the Board of Trade, awarded the silver medal for gallantry in saving life at sea to Mr A. Wold Hansen, chief mate of the Norwegian steamship Catherine Cuneo, of Tonsberg, in recognition of his services in rescuing a deck hand of H.M. drifter Daisy, who fell overboard in the anchorage at Kirkwall on January 13 last.
Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands - Wednesday 02 June 1915
CARNEGIE HERO The monthly meeting of the Carnegie Hero Fund Trustees was held at Dunfermline on Thursday. Dr Ross, the Chairman, presiding. The following was among the awards :— A. Wold Hansen, chief mate of the Norwegian steamship Catherine Cuneo of Tonsberg, on 13th January, 1915, rescued a man from drowning in the sea off Kirkwall. It was extremely cold and dark at the time, and the drowning man, who had fallen between two vessels, was only rescued with considerable difficulty. For his action, on the occasion Hansen received a silver medal from the King, while the Trustees have awarded him an honorary certificate and the sum of £l0.
CARNEGIE HERO The monthly meeting of the Carnegie Hero Fund Trustees was held at Dunfermline on Thursday. Dr Ross, the Chairman, presiding. The following was among the awards :— A. Wold Hansen, chief mate of the Norwegian steamship Catherine Cuneo of Tonsberg, on 13th January, 1915, rescued a man from drowning in the sea off Kirkwall. It was extremely cold and dark at the time, and the drowning man, who had fallen between two vessels, was only rescued with considerable difficulty. For his action, on the occasion Hansen received a silver medal from the King, while the Trustees have awarded him an honorary certificate and the sum of £l0.
Silver medal for gallantry in saving life at sea
Gunner A.E. Perry RN
Aberdeen Evening Express - Thursday 13 May 1915
AWARDS FOR LIFE SAVING. At its monthly meeting yesterday the Committee of the Royal Humane Society made the following, among many other, awards:-- Bronze medal A. E. Perry, gunner R. M., H.M.S. Colossus, for his pluck in saving a seaman who fell overboard in a rough sea in Scapa Flow on April 9.
AWARDS FOR LIFE SAVING. At its monthly meeting yesterday the Committee of the Royal Humane Society made the following, among many other, awards:-- Bronze medal A. E. Perry, gunner R. M., H.M.S. Colossus, for his pluck in saving a seaman who fell overboard in a rough sea in Scapa Flow on April 9.
Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands - Wednesday 19 May 1915
Bronze medal to A.E. Perry, gunner R.M.A., H.M.S. Colossus, for his gallant rescue of a seaman who fell overboard in Scapa Flow on April 9.
Bronze medal to A.E. Perry, gunner R.M.A., H.M.S. Colossus, for his gallant rescue of a seaman who fell overboard in Scapa Flow on April 9.
Case number: 41501
RHS Report: 1915
On the 9th April 1915, a man accidentally fell when climbing on board one of HM ships in open harbour. Perry jumped in and brought him to the ship's side and they were got on board.
On the 9th April 1915, a man accidentally fell when climbing on board one of HM ships in open harbour. Perry jumped in and brought him to the ship's side and they were got on board.
Seaman John Preece RN , and John O'Carey R.M.L.I
Aberdeen Weekly Journal - Friday 18 June 1915
Testimonial on vellum to John Preece Seaman, and John O'Carey R.M.L,I for the gallantry in saving a man who was accidently knocked overboard from H.M.S. Lancaster at Scapa Flow on April 25.
Testimonial on vellum to John Preece Seaman, and John O'Carey R.M.L,I for the gallantry in saving a man who was accidently knocked overboard from H.M.S. Lancaster at Scapa Flow on April 25.
Stoker George Whitmore RN
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Friday 24 September 1915
HUMANE SOCIETY'S AWARDS ABERDEEN AND ROSEHEARTY MEN HONOURED. The Committee the Royal Humane Society last night issued its completed list of awards in 180 cases under investigation during the present month, which includes the following: Bronze medal George Whitmore, stoker, H.M.S. Polmont for his gallantry in plunging overboard at Longhope, Orkney, on 3rd August and saving a man who, in a sudden fit insanity, threw himself from the ship. Whitmore incurred great risk, the night being pitch dark, but he stuck to his man till a boat reached them.
HUMANE SOCIETY'S AWARDS ABERDEEN AND ROSEHEARTY MEN HONOURED. The Committee the Royal Humane Society last night issued its completed list of awards in 180 cases under investigation during the present month, which includes the following: Bronze medal George Whitmore, stoker, H.M.S. Polmont for his gallantry in plunging overboard at Longhope, Orkney, on 3rd August and saving a man who, in a sudden fit insanity, threw himself from the ship. Whitmore incurred great risk, the night being pitch dark, but he stuck to his man till a boat reached them.
Case number: 41807
RHS Report: 1915
On the 3rd August 1915, a man in a fit of insanity threw himself overboard from one of HM ships. Whitmore jumped in and kept him up till a boat reached them.
On the 3rd August 1915, a man in a fit of insanity threw himself overboard from one of HM ships. Whitmore jumped in and kept him up till a boat reached them.
Deckhand Louis Summers R.N.R
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Monday 17 April 1916
BRAVERY KIRKWALL. MEDAL FOR DECKHAND ON H.M. DRIFTER. The committee of the Royal Humane Society held its monthly meeting in London on Friday, under the presidency of Admiral Sir G. D. Morant, when the following award was made:- Bronze medal to Louis Summers, deckhand on one of H.M. drifters, for his gallantry in plunging into Kirkwall Bay February 16,in an attempt to save a man who had thrown himself from a steamer. The man was exceedingly violent, and beat Summers off. The latter then returned to the drifter, from which a boat was got out and the man, in spite of his struggles, was picked up.
BRAVERY KIRKWALL. MEDAL FOR DECKHAND ON H.M. DRIFTER. The committee of the Royal Humane Society held its monthly meeting in London on Friday, under the presidency of Admiral Sir G. D. Morant, when the following award was made:- Bronze medal to Louis Summers, deckhand on one of H.M. drifters, for his gallantry in plunging into Kirkwall Bay February 16,in an attempt to save a man who had thrown himself from a steamer. The man was exceedingly violent, and beat Summers off. The latter then returned to the drifter, from which a boat was got out and the man, in spite of his struggles, was picked up.
Case number: 42337
RHS Report: 1916
On the 16th February 1916, a man while being transferred from a steamer to a drifter in Kirkwall Bay jumped overboard, the sea being choppy with a strong tide. Summers, on the drifter, jumped in and caught him, but was beaten off by the man and returned on board, the man being picked up by a boat.
On the 16th February 1916, a man while being transferred from a steamer to a drifter in Kirkwall Bay jumped overboard, the sea being choppy with a strong tide. Summers, on the drifter, jumped in and caught him, but was beaten off by the man and returned on board, the man being picked up by a boat.
Acting Lieutenant .C. H. Bird, R.N.R.
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 28 October 1916
The completed list of awards for the month issued Thursday night by the Royal Humane Society contains the following from the north of Scotland: Testimonial Acting Lieutenant .C. H. Bird, R.N.R., for his gallant rescue seaman at Longhope, Orkney, on July 29.
The completed list of awards for the month issued Thursday night by the Royal Humane Society contains the following from the north of Scotland: Testimonial Acting Lieutenant .C. H. Bird, R.N.R., for his gallant rescue seaman at Longhope, Orkney, on July 29.
Signalman Frederick C. Aust RN & A.B Arthur Leborgne RN
Nairnshire Telegraph and General Advertiser for the Northern Counties - Tuesday 20 February 1917
Medals to Frederick C.Aust, signalman, and Arthur Leborgne, A.B., for their gallant rescue of a man who fell overboard from his ship in the Pentland Firth on January 5.
Medals to Frederick C.Aust, signalman, and Arthur Leborgne, A.B., for their gallant rescue of a man who fell overboard from his ship in the Pentland Firth on January 5.
Case number: 43099
RHS Report: 1917
At 2 p.m. on the 2nd January, 1917, a man fell overboard from one of H.M. ships in the Pentland Firth, there being a moderate swell on at the time. Frederick C. Aust and Arthur Leborgne at once jumped after him and kept him afloat until they were picked up.
At 2 p.m. on the 2nd January, 1917, a man fell overboard from one of H.M. ships in the Pentland Firth, there being a moderate swell on at the time. Frederick C. Aust and Arthur Leborgne at once jumped after him and kept him afloat until they were picked up.
Leading Stoker John H. Shaw RN
Nairnshire Telegraph and General Advertiser for the Northern Counties - Tuesday 20 February 1917
Medal to John H. Shaw, leading stoker, RN., for his gallantry in saving a boy who fell overboard from his ship in Scapa Flow on December 15.
Medal to John H. Shaw, leading stoker, RN., for his gallantry in saving a boy who fell overboard from his ship in Scapa Flow on December 15.
Case number: 43103
RHS Report: 1917
At 9 p.m. on the 15th December, 1916, a man accidentally fell overboard from one of H.M. ships in Scapa Flow, there being a considerable sea and the night dark. John H. Shaw, Leading Stoker, jumped after him and caught him and they were got on board with ropes.
At 9 p.m. on the 15th December, 1916, a man accidentally fell overboard from one of H.M. ships in Scapa Flow, there being a considerable sea and the night dark. John H. Shaw, Leading Stoker, jumped after him and caught him and they were got on board with ropes.
Lieutenant Watchlin R.N.R.
Western Morning News - Friday 20 April 1917
REWARDS FOR BRAVERY. Among those whom medals have just been awarded by the Royal Humane Society are George S. Reynolds, stoker, H.M.S. Magnificent.; Act-Lt. Hector McLean. R.N.R.; Lt A. Watchlin, R.N.R.; Angus McArthur, Seaman, R.N.; Walter F. Roake. a boy of the steamship Virginian; Cpl George A. Colman. King’s Liverpool R.; Charles E. Ellis, skipper, R.N.R; and T Bidgood, torpedo gunner, R.N., for saving life or attempted rescue.
REWARDS FOR BRAVERY. Among those whom medals have just been awarded by the Royal Humane Society are George S. Reynolds, stoker, H.M.S. Magnificent.; Act-Lt. Hector McLean. R.N.R.; Lt A. Watchlin, R.N.R.; Angus McArthur, Seaman, R.N.; Walter F. Roake. a boy of the steamship Virginian; Cpl George A. Colman. King’s Liverpool R.; Charles E. Ellis, skipper, R.N.R; and T Bidgood, torpedo gunner, R.N., for saving life or attempted rescue.
Case number: 43215
RHS Report: 1917
At 8 a.m. on the 9th March, 1917, a boat with five men on board was capsized in Widewell Bay, Orkney, the depth being 10 fathoms and the weather very cold. Lieutenant A. Watchlin, R.N.R., got three of the men on the upturned boat and supported the fourth, who was unconscious, till they were picked up.
At 8 a.m. on the 9th March, 1917, a boat with five men on board was capsized in Widewell Bay, Orkney, the depth being 10 fathoms and the weather very cold. Lieutenant A. Watchlin, R.N.R., got three of the men on the upturned boat and supported the fourth, who was unconscious, till they were picked up.
Acting Lieutenant, Hector McLean R.N.R.
Western Morning News - Friday 20 April 1917
REWARDS FOR BRAVERY. Among those whom medals have just been awarded by the Royal Humane Society are George S. Reynolds, stoker, H.M.S. Magnificent.; Act-Lt. Hector McLean. R.N.R.; Lt A. Watchlin, R.N.R.; Angus McArthur, Seaman, R.N.; Walter F. Roake. a boy of the steamship Virginian; Cpl George A. Colman. King’s Liverpool R.; Charles E. Ellis, skipper, R.N.R; and T Bidgood, torpedo gunner, R.N., for saving life or attempted rescue.
REWARDS FOR BRAVERY. Among those whom medals have just been awarded by the Royal Humane Society are George S. Reynolds, stoker, H.M.S. Magnificent.; Act-Lt. Hector McLean. R.N.R.; Lt A. Watchlin, R.N.R.; Angus McArthur, Seaman, R.N.; Walter F. Roake. a boy of the steamship Virginian; Cpl George A. Colman. King’s Liverpool R.; Charles E. Ellis, skipper, R.N.R; and T Bidgood, torpedo gunner, R.N., for saving life or attempted rescue.
Case number: 43230
RHS Report: 1917
At 7.30 a.m. on the 23rd March, 1917, a man fell overboard from his ship in Scapa Flow and drifted astern, the weather being very cold. Acting Lieutenant Hector H. McLean, R.N.R., went after him and took him back to the ship, where he was got on board.
At 7.30 a.m. on the 23rd March, 1917, a man fell overboard from his ship in Scapa Flow and drifted astern, the weather being very cold. Acting Lieutenant Hector H. McLean, R.N.R., went after him and took him back to the ship, where he was got on board.
Gunner A.W. Stephens RN
Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands - Wednesday 18 July 1917
AWARDS FOR GALLANT RESCUES IN SCAPA FLOW.—At its monthly meeting in London on Wednesday the Royal Humane Society made the following among other awards :--
Bronze medal to Gunner A.W. Stephens, R.N. for his gallant rescue of a seaman from Scapa Flow on April 23.
AWARDS FOR GALLANT RESCUES IN SCAPA FLOW.—At its monthly meeting in London on Wednesday the Royal Humane Society made the following among other awards :--
Bronze medal to Gunner A.W. Stephens, R.N. for his gallant rescue of a seaman from Scapa Flow on April 23.
Case number: 43380
RHS Report: 1917
At 10.40 p.m. on the 23rd April, 1917, a man fell overboard from his ship in Scapa Flow, the night being dark and the depth 10 fathoms. Alexander W. Stephens, Gunner, R.N., jumped in and kept him afloat till other help came and they were got on board.
At 10.40 p.m. on the 23rd April, 1917, a man fell overboard from his ship in Scapa Flow, the night being dark and the depth 10 fathoms. Alexander W. Stephens, Gunner, R.N., jumped in and kept him afloat till other help came and they were got on board.
Footnote: Pte. Leonard Ramm R.M.L.I. is also cited as receiving the same case medal 43380
A.B. James Thomas
Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney & Zetland Islands - Wednesday 18 July 1917
Bronze medal to James Thomas, A.B., R.N., for his rescue of a petty officer of his ship from Scapa Flow on May 21.
Bronze medal to James Thomas, A.B., R.N., for his rescue of a petty officer of his ship from Scapa Flow on May 21.
Case number: 43333
RHS Report: 1917
At 10.30 p.m. on the 21st May, 1917, a man fell overboard between two ships in Scapa Flow, there being great danger of crushing. James Thomas, A.B., went down and held him with his legs till further help came and they were got out.
At 10.30 p.m. on the 21st May, 1917, a man fell overboard between two ships in Scapa Flow, there being great danger of crushing. James Thomas, A.B., went down and held him with his legs till further help came and they were got out.
W.H Armstrong , Skipper R.N.R.
The Scotsman - Thursday 16 August 1917
REWARDS FOR BRAVERY . The completed list of awards for the month, issued Iast night, by the Royal Humane Society contain the following : — Bronze medal to W.H , Armstrong, skipper, R.N.R., Inverness , for his gallantry in saving one of the crew of the Southesk when that vessel was blown up by a mine in Auskerry Sound, Orkney, on July 7 .
REWARDS FOR BRAVERY . The completed list of awards for the month, issued Iast night, by the Royal Humane Society contain the following : — Bronze medal to W.H , Armstrong, skipper, R.N.R., Inverness , for his gallantry in saving one of the crew of the Southesk when that vessel was blown up by a mine in Auskerry Sound, Orkney, on July 7 .
Case number: 43493
RHS Report: 1917
At 1.30 p.m. on the 7th July, 1917, a man was thrown into Auskerry Sound owing to his vessl being blown up by a mine. W.H. Armstrong, Skipper, R.N.R., jumped from his ship and succeeded in supporting him till they were picked up.
At 1.30 p.m. on the 7th July, 1917, a man was thrown into Auskerry Sound owing to his vessl being blown up by a mine. W.H. Armstrong, Skipper, R.N.R., jumped from his ship and succeeded in supporting him till they were picked up.
Footnote: Link to the HMD South Esk page: https://lostinwatersdeep.co.uk/hmd-south-esk.html
Stoker John Beswick. RN
Western Morning News - Friday 15 March 1918
John Beswick. Stoker RN, for gallantly saving a seaman who fell overboard from his ship at sea off Fair Isle Jan 2.
John Beswick. Stoker RN, for gallantly saving a seaman who fell overboard from his ship at sea off Fair Isle Jan 2.
Case number: 43960
RHS Report: 1918: Blank
Footnote: John Beswick Stoker HMS Sable.
Cpl G.G. Robertson R.M.A & Gunner H. C. Butcher, R.M.A
Western Morning News - Friday 12 April 1918
MEDALS FOR LIFE-SAVING:- The undermentioned awards were made by the committee of the Royal Humane Society yesterday, Adml. Sir G D. Morant. presiding:--
Bronze Medals to Cpl G.G. Robertson and Gnr. H.C. Butcher, R.M.A., for their gallantry saving two men who were thrown into Hoxa Bay, Orkney, by the capsizing of a boat on Jan 1.
MEDALS FOR LIFE-SAVING:- The undermentioned awards were made by the committee of the Royal Humane Society yesterday, Adml. Sir G D. Morant. presiding:--
Bronze Medals to Cpl G.G. Robertson and Gnr. H.C. Butcher, R.M.A., for their gallantry saving two men who were thrown into Hoxa Bay, Orkney, by the capsizing of a boat on Jan 1.
Hendon & Finchley Times - Friday 26 April 1918
HENDON POLICE OFFICER HONOURED. SAVING LIFE AT SEA At the monthly meeting of the committee the Royal Humane Society, the Society’s medal was awarded to a number of persons for distinguished gallantry in saving or attempting save life. Among them was Gunner H.C. Butcher, R.M.A. (sergeant attached to Hendon Police Station), who joined up at the outbreak of war. He received the bronze medal for saving the Life of a comrade, who was thrown into the sea in Hoxa Sound, Orkney Islands, January Ist 1918. Gunner Butcher has been home on leave, but left Hendon yesterday for his naval duties.
Case number: 44022
RHS Report: 1918: Blank
A.B. Edward C. Pottle
Aberdeen Press and Journal - Saturday 21 June 1919
AWARDS FOR RESCUES.
Among the awards made by the committee of the Royal Humane Society on Thursday were— A bronze medal Edward C. Pottle, A.B., H.M.S. Victorious, for his gallantry in saving a seaman who threw himself from the ship shortly before midnight on the May 11 in Gutter Sound, Scapa Flow.
AWARDS FOR RESCUES.
Among the awards made by the committee of the Royal Humane Society on Thursday were— A bronze medal Edward C. Pottle, A.B., H.M.S. Victorious, for his gallantry in saving a seaman who threw himself from the ship shortly before midnight on the May 11 in Gutter Sound, Scapa Flow.
Case number: 44799
RHS Report: 1919: Blank
