This medal, currently on display at the maritime exhibition in Stornoway Town Hall, was awarded by the Scottish Humane Society to John Finlay Macleod of Port of Ness in Lewis for his efforts in the early hours of New Year's Day 1919.
His Majesty's Yacht Iolaire had run aground at the Beasts of Holm. Lifeboats were swamped the moment they were lowered into the water, and the sailors left on board Iolaire faced the worst of consequences. John managed to bring a hawser ashore, which assisted 75 of his comrades to reach safety. For 205, all rescue came too late. The bodies of 60 were never recovered.
The inscription reads:
Lloyds Silver Medal
Royal Humane Society Medal
Presented to Seaman John Finlay Macleod RNR
HMY Iolaire with some 280 abord - mostly Naval Ratings - struck rocks near the entrance to Stornoway Harbour around 1 am on January 1st 1919.
Seaman Macleod swam ashore with a rope line which enable 40 lives to be saved. Tragically, over 200 others were lost.
What a story. Thanks for sharing that important bit of history.
ReplyDelete-K
Wow... he deserved the medal... how wonderful for it to be on display for all!
ReplyDeletebe well,
Dawn
Wow...beautiful medal.....but not as great as his eternal reward will be!!
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