Henry Williams was a renowned Dun Laoghaire lifeboat Coxswain. His son, Alexander, succeeded him and both died in the attempt to rescue the crew of the Palme in Dun Laoghaire Eve, 1895.
That rescue is remembered in an evocative ceremony every Christmas Eve which has become an effective annual national lifeboat commemoration.
One of only two silver medals awarded to Dun Laoghaire for lifeboat actions is that won by Henry Williams, Coxswain of the then Kingstown Lifeboat in 1881 for a rescue in Dublin Bay. It is coming up for auction in Whytes in Dublin on Saturday, February 3, at 11 a.m. and the well-known Dublin historian, author and lecturer, Cormac Lowth, is trying to “save it for Dun Laoghaire.”
One of only two silver medals awarded to Dun Laoghaire for lifeboat actions is that won by Henry Williams, Conswain of the then Kingstown Lifeboat in 1881 for a rescue in Dublin Bay. The medal is coming up for auction in Whytes in Dublin on Saturday, February 3, at 11 a.m.
“It would be a shame to see it go elsewhere,” he says and he is hoping some “kind, benevolent person” might buy it for Dun Laoghaire. The value put on it by Whytes is inhe region of €200-€500. It is inscribed on the rim, 'MR. H. WILLIAMS. Voted 1st Dec.1881.'
“It is extremely rare,” says Cormac Lowth. “It is part of the maritime history of Dun Laoghaire.” He has written to Dublin Port, suggesting that it might by buy the medal.
“I’ve tried to raise as much interest as possible, but haven’t had any positive response so far. I don’t know who the vendors are, but it won’t be for lack of effort on my part to save the medal for Dun Laogahire.”
Listen to Cormac Lowth on my Podcast here as he outlines why he hopes the medal will stay in Dun Laoghaire.
