Sea Gallantry Medal Victoria, large type for gallantry in silver, (JAMES H. STALEY WRECK OF THE NEWMINSTER ON THE 29.TH NOVEMBER 1897). GVF/EF

The Steamship Newminster of Newcastle-upon-Tyne was on her beams ends in the Bay of Biscay when the Nellie and Lisbon hove in sight. A high sea was running at the time making the rescue difficult and dangerous. The boats from the Nellie and Lisbon could not get alongside and lines were passed by means of which the shipwrecked crew were drawn into the boats (extr. from: J. R.J. Scarlett: “The Sea Gallantry Medal”)