Australian Historical Medals

Lot 2061    SESSION 7 - 11.30AM WEDNESDAY 14 APRIL    Australian Historical Medals

Estimate $500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $800

ROYAL SHIPWRECK RELIEF HUMANE SOCIETY OF N.S.W., in silver, reverse engraved, ’James Hollis / For Bravery / 23rd march 1957.’. Extremely fine.

Ex W.J.D.Mira Collection. On 23rd March 1957 a Casino pilot, Lawrence William McMahon was killed when the Royal Newcastle Aero Club Chipmunk he was flying crashed coming to rest about 400 yards off the Casino-Tenterfield Road. The plane had just flown over the home of Mr James Hollis and struck a tree. Hollis, who knew the pilot, ran to the site of the burning wreckage and even though the plane was entangled in high tension wires and he was in great danger of electrocution, he still pulled McMahon’s body away from the wrecked aircraft. Then with the help of a friend stripped the burning clothes from the pilot’s body. At this point they could still hear the crackling from the ’live’ high tension wires on the plane. Despite the brave actions of Hollis, the pilot died. Records indicate a bronze award however this appears to be an incorrect entry as the medal is silver. Together with photocopy of the Richmond River Express newspaper detailing the accident for which Hollis received the award.