"On the 29th August, 1884, off Beyrout, H.M.S. _Alexandra_ was steaming
at the rate of four knots an hour, when a man fell overboard. Lieut. the
Hon. William Grimston dropped from his port into the sea, and succeeded
in holding the man on the surface of the water until two seamen (who had
jumped overboard) came to his assistance. The special danger in this
rescue is brought to the Society's notice by Captain Rawson, R.N.,
commanding the ship. The port through which the officer had to drop is
very small, and situated just before the double screw, which was then
revolving: in fact, the salvor passed through the circle made by it."
[Illustration: ALFRED COLLINS. HOSKINGS.
_From a Photo. by Hawke, Plymouth._]
ALFRED COLLINS, aged 21, Fisherman.
"The fishing lugger _Water Nymph_, of Looe, was seven or eight miles
east-south-east of the 'Eddystone,' on the night of the 16th December,
1884, when a boy named Hoskings fell overheard, and was soon about
eighty feet astern. The captain of the boat, Alfred Collins, immediately
jumped in to the rescue, carrying the end of a rope with him; he was
clothed in oilskins and sea-boots. After a great deal of difficulty
Hoskings was reached and pulled on board. At the time this gallant act
was performed there was a gale of wind blowing, with heavy rain, and the
night was dark. The Silver Medal was voted to Alfred Collins on the 20th
January, 1885."
[Illustration: CAPTAIN H. N. MCRAE.
_From a Photo. by Winter, Muneer._]
CAPTAIN H. N. MCRAE, 45th (Rattray's) Sikhs (assisted by
Captain H. Holmes).
"At 5 a.m. on the 5th October, 1886, a trumpeter of the Royal Artillery
was crossing the compound of Captain Holmes's bungalow at Rawal Pindi,
when he fell into a well. On hearing the alarm, Captain Holmes, Captain
McRae, and Lieutenant Taylor proceeded to the spot. On arriving they
found that Mr. Grose had preceded them, and had let down a well-rope,
which was of sufficient length to reach the soldier and capable of
sustaining him for a time. Both Captain McRae and Captain Holmes
volunteered to go down, but as the former was a light-weight it was
decided that he should make the trial, Captain Holmes demurring, as he
wished to undertake the risk himself. The rope being very weak, it could
not possibly have borne Captain Holmes's great weight. Captain McRae was
accordingly let down by means of a four-strand tent rope, and on
reaching the water found the soldier practically insensible; he
therefore decided to go up with him. Captain Holmes was at the head of
the rope, and his strength enabled him to lift both completely. At every
haul, the amount gained was held in check by the other persons above.
After hauling up about 10 ft. or 15 ft., the rope broke, precipitating
Captain McRae and his charge to the bottom of the well. A second attempt
was then made, and both were brought to the surface. The depth of the
well was 88 ft., of which 12 ft. was water. It was quite dark at the
time. Very great personal risk was incurred by Captain McRae. The Silver
Medal was unanimously voted to him."
[Illustration: MR. JAMES POWER.
_From a Photo. by Lawrence, Dublin._]