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Board of Trade, Sea Gallantry medal
Awarded to Ezekiel Couth for gallantry in saving life at sea, during the wrecking of the "MADELINE" in Torbay, 11th Jan. 1866.
‘Board of Trade Bronze Medal: Jany 11 1866, During a violent gale a large number of vessels were wrecked in Torbay and many lives were lost. Several persons rendered valuable assistance in saving life but more especially C. Bartlett, E. Barler, A.G. Wyat & E. Couth. The first named was lowered over the cliff by means of a rope & the other men swam with ropes to vessels & by their exertions several lives were saved – while great risk was incurred in consequence of the strength of the gale & the darkness of the night. We gave to each of these men a Bronze Medal.’ (Board of Trade memorandum on rewards for saving life at sea - MT 9/29/W3202)
(Source: For those in Peril: Civil decorations and lifesaving awards at the National Museums & Galleries of Wales by Edward Besly)