Australian Historical Medals (1788-1885)

Lot 896    SESSION 3 (John Chapman Collection, 2.30pm Tuesday)    Australian Historical Medals (1788-1885)

Estimate $20,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $22,500

AWARDED BY THE BOARD OF TRADE FOR GALLANTRY IN SAVING LIFE, 1878, in silver (58mm) by B.Wyon Sc, engraved around edge 'Thomas R.Pearce Wreck of the Ship 'Lochard' (sic) of Glasgow on the 1st June-1878. Extremely fine.

Together with photographs of Tom Pearce and Eva Carmichael. The Lochard, an iron clipper sailed from Gravesend 1st March 1878 to unload her cargo in Melbourne then return homeward bound via the Horn. However this was not to be, during the night of 31st May she was caught in a heavy haze, Captain Gibbs could not get a clear observation of the sun and thought his ship was about 150 miles off the coast. However she was only 27 miles west of Cape Otway. Early on the 1st June the haze cleared to expose cliffs close by. Trying to steer her clear from what was to be her doom, failed. The anchors were dropped, however they could not grip in the sandy bottom. She hit a reef which tore into her stern and she began to sink. In the swell her yard struck the side of the cliff and brought a downpouring of rocks which crashed into many of the passengers and crew. Attempting to launch the port lifeboat was unsuccessful .The men aboard were quickly dumped into the sea when hit by a massive wave. Tom Pearce was the only one who was able to cling to the upturned boat for some hours until it had washed into the gorge. Tom let go and swam to the shore. While having a rest and trying to regain some strength, he heard somebody cry out, looking out to the water he saw Eva Carmichael holding onto part of a mast and floating towards the shore. Tom managed to get Eva to a cave in the gorge. After resting for some time he left Eva and climbed the cliffs around the gorge. Once on top he found a path and proceeded along until he saw two men from Glenample Station. They went back and brought Eva to a nearby homestead. Thus began Tom Pearce the hero. Tom and Eva were the only survivors of the shipwreck the Loch Ard. There were numerous functions to honour Tom, among his rewards was the Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry - this piece.