Albert Medal, 2nd Class for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea named to 'William Francis Gordon...

Albert Medal, 2nd Class for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea named to 'William Francis Gordon Martin, Chief Officer of the S.S. ''Bayropea'' of London, for gallantry at a fire on board that vessel at Economia 26th January 1917'. In original fitted case with letter of conferment from the Board of Trade (Marine Department), dated 13th September 1917, and further newspaper clipping. Rare, unusual Russian connection.

The Albert Medal was instituted in 1866 and named after Queen Victoria's consort, Prince Albert, who had died in 1861. Until the institution of the George Cross in 1940 it was Britain's premier decoration for civilian acts of gallantry in saving life at sea and on land. This 2^nd class example in bronze was issued to William Francis Gordon Martin, Chief Officer of the ammunitions cargo ship the S.S. Bayropea, for his actions during a ship fire in 1917.

London Gazette Issue 30273, published on the 7^th September 1917:

‘On the 26th January, 1917, a series of fires and explosions occurred at Economia, port of Archangel. When Captain Twidle arrived on the scene his ship was burning fiercely. On being informed that the Chief Engineer was alive, Captain Twidle climbed on board but found that he was dead. He then examined the other rooms and found a Chinese sailor in a dazed condition. With the assistance of Mr. Martin and Mr. MacBryde this man was got over the ship's side across the ice, and eventually to the Red Cross station. About four minutes after the seaman had been removed the vessel blew up.’