Rocket Apparatus Long Service Medal reverse engraved DENIS WHELTON.
The Spring 1953 Edition of ‘The Life-Boat’ (No.364) mentions the following under its awards to Coxwains and Lifeboatmen: ‘To Denis Whelton, on his retirement, after serving 24 ¼ years as second coxswain of the Courtmacsherry Harbour life-boat, a life-boatman’s certificate of service, and an annuity.’
He also appears to have made a final life-saving attempt in his later years: ‘On 28 July 1961, a three year old child fell into the sea from the pier at Courtmacsherry. Mr Whelton and another man, Mr. Michael O’Donovan, were mooring a barge about ten feet away and they immediately went to the child’s assistance. With Mr. O’Donovan holding on to one of his hands, Mr. Whelton lowered himself into the water and stretched out his leg towards the child, who grabbed it. He drew her towards him, took hold of her hair and managed to keep her head above water. Mr. O’Donovan was unable to get either the child or Mr. Whelton out of the water but he held on to Mr. Whelton’s hand and shouted for help. Ten minutes later another man, with the child’s mother, came to their assistance and Mr. Whelton and the child were taken from the water. Mr. Whelton, who is 75 years of age, was then in an exhausted condition.’
Ex American Numismatic Society (Part I), Morton & Eden, 234 May 2006, lot 14
Comes with research.
