A group of eight medals, awarded to Frederick Sidney Bertie ...

Hammer

£450

A group of eight medals, awarded to Frederick Sidney Bertie Baldwin, comprising a 1914-15 Trio (J 212274 F S B Baldwin Ord RN), 1939-1945 Star, Atlantic Star, Defence Medal, and War Medal, with a sweetheart photograph and a monochrome photograph of Baldwin, with copy of research
The London Gazette 24/9/1943 notes Frederick Sidney Bertie Baldwin, Seaman Cable Hand, HMTS Alert - the ship was engaged in cable repairs, when her escort, one of HM Trawlers was ordered to locate a ship that had to be abandoned. The Alert accompanied her on this mission. The ship was found and Evans, Prince, and Baldwin were put aboard to make a survey. It was then decided to tow the vessel into port and a salvage party was put aboard. The weather became very bad, and on the third day the tow rope parted under the strain, warning was received that the vessel was drifting into a minefield. Her anchor was then let go, but the cable jammed. In consequence orders were given to abandon her, but because of the high sea running, the trawler was unable to effect the transfer of the salvage crew. During the afternoon however, a life-saving raft was slipped and the salvage party took to it, getting clear only with the greatest difficulty owing to the drift and the inrush of water into the ship's quarter. The party were taken aboard after one and a quarter hours on the raft. The following day the gale moderated, but an attempt to re-board the derelict which was now stationary was unsuccessful. The re-boarding was achieved on the next day and the tow resumed, port being reached without further unusual incident. Evans, Prince and Baldwin showed courage and seamanship throughout the six days, being fully aware of the risks attendant upon the venture for which they readily volunteered