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Royal Shipwreck Relief Society of New South Wales

Maker Royal Shipwreck Relief and Humane Society (Australian, founded 1877)

Date1902

Object number00046542

NameMedal

MediumMetal, ribbon

DimensionsOverall: 62 x 21 x 2 mm, 5 g
Mount: 85 x 43 x 1 mm

ClassificationsCoins and medals

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionUninscribed miniature medal of the Royal Shipwreck Relief Society of New South Wales.HistoryThe National Shipwreck Relief Society of New South Wales was established in 1877 following the wrecking of the SS YARRA off Newcastle, north of Sydney. The aims of the Society were to 'provide relief to widows, orphans and others dependent upon men lost in the marine service of our coast' as well as 'to grant the Society's Medal's or rewards to any person performing acts of bravery in the saving of human life'. The Society underwent several name changes becoming the Shipwreck Relief and Humane Society of New South Wales in 1901, the Royal Shipwreck Relief and Humane Society of New South Wales in 1902 and the Royal Humane Society (of N.S.W.) in 1968.SignificanceThe Royal Shipwreck Relief Society of New South Wales awarded this medal in recognition of the recipients act of 'bravery in the saving of human life'.