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Auction: 4020 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 477

The Scarce St. John Life Saving Pair for an Irishman's Bravery in Dublin Life Saving Medal of the Order of St. John, bronze (Presented to John Murphy 5th July 1905); Royal Humane Society Medal, small, bronze unsuccessful (John Murphy. May. 6. 1905), medal detached from suspension, otherwise good very fine (2) Estimate £ 400-500 Labourer John Murphy, Life Saving Medal of the Order of St. John awarded for, 'For great bravery displayed at Bough Quay, Dublin on 6th May 1905. A man named Flemming descended a sewer to examine a leakage and was overcome by the foul gas. A fellow workman, John Coleman, observed Flemming fall below and immediately went to his assistance. Thomas Rochford, Constable Sheen and Kiernan Fitzpatrick, concluded something was wrong and each descended in turn without the slightest hesitation to endeavour to rescue Flemming and Coleman. The remainder of the above mentioned men followed at intervals notwithstanding the extreme danger and difficulty. After all the men had been brought to the surface it was found that John Fleming and Constable Sheen were dead and all the other men suffered greatly from the effects of their gallant efforts. The foul and irritating atmosphere necessitating immediate medical treatment.' A total of 10 Bronze medals were awarded for this incident. Medals were presented by His Excellency the Viceroy of Ireland, the Earl of Dudley, G.C.V.O., acting on behalf of H.R.H. the Grand Prior at Dublin Castle, 25.8.1905.

Sold for
£950