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Small type, named 'Henry John Wharrie, 17th December 1887'. With ribbon buckle, on original very tatty ribbon. RHS case no 23850: At 8.20pm on 17 December 1887 a labourer's wife, Sophia Eastman (39), from 4 Howe Street, Jenning Street, Hull, appears to have fallen into the dock accidentally, between the pier wall and a ship which was some 20 feet out. The water was 18 feet deep. A ship-builder's labourer, Henry John Wharrie (20) jumped into the water after her with all his clothes on and managed to bring Mrs Eastman to the wall, where they were assisted out by the use of a boat hook. Mrs Eastman was by then unconscious and was seen for medical attention by Dr Davy. The rescue effort was brought to the attention of the RHS independently by Edward Robson and J S King, MP, details of the rescue being vouched for by several witnesses. The Society considered the circumstances at its committee meeting on 18 January 1888 and approved the award of its bronze medal to Wharrie. This was sent to Robson at 25 Waterworks Street, Hull, by registered post on 28 January 1888 for him to organise its presentation.

Born in late 1867 or early 1868 (Glanford Brigg Register District, Jan-March quarter, 1868, vol. 7a, p. 678), Henry Wharrie was the son of labourer John Wharrie and his wife June. By 1881 Henry was living with his family at 147 St Paul Street, Sculcoates, Hull, where he was working as an errand boy. He married in 1890 (Sculcoates Register District, April-June quarter, 1890, vol. 9d, p. 325). The following year, he and his wife, Alice, and their 2 month old daughter, Jenny Renny, were living at 3 Vincent Court, Sculcoates, at which time Wharrie was noted as a merchant seaman. By 1911 the family were living at 31 Auckland Hill, West Norwood, and now had four daughters: Jenny (20), Alice (18), Mary (17), and Annie (16). Sold with a copy of the RHS case book entry and other brief research details. GVF, £185.