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Winners list from the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society 2015 Awards for Skill and Gallantry
The crew of ‘Rescue 01’, based at RAF Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands, comprising of Flt Lt Ian Campbell, Captain; Flt Lt Tom Greene, Co-Pilot; Sgt Mike Boissier-Wyles, Radar/Winch Operator and Sgt Dan Allanson, Winchman, was awarded the Edward and Maisie Lewis Award for ‘an outstanding air/sea rescue’ by the Society for their courage and determination, which Sir Ben Ainslie described as “impressive.”
An RAF rescue crew have been recognised for their skill and gallantry in the rescue of a fisherman lost overboard in the South Atlantic, at a national awards ceremony held by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society.
On 28 July 2014, the crew of ‘Rescue 01’ of 1564 Flt, 905 EAW, Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands was tasked to go to the assistance of a fisherman lost overboard from the fishing vessel Venturer off East Falkland.
Sir Ben Ainslie, who holds the title of most successful sailor in Olympic history, said: “Since 1851 the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society has been making awards for skill and gallantry at sea. This year’s award citations are impressive. For much longer, since 1839, they have been financially helping fishermen, mariners and their dependants who have fallen on hard times. Not widely known, this charity does great work for the maritime community and deserves your support.”
Jake Bowman-Davies, based in Milford Haven, was awarded an ‘Individual Commendation’ by the Society for his courage and determination, which Sir Ben Ainslie described as impressive after reading the citation.
A Pembrokeshire fisherman has been recognised at a national awards ceremony held by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society for his leadership, cool headedness and excellent judgement in saving the lives of four men from their sinking vessel.
On 12 February 2015 Jake Bowman-Davies successfully orchestrated the abandonment of his fishing vessel in order to save the lives of his crew.
Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society Chief Executive, Commodore Malcolm Williams, said: “The Society’s annual Skill and Gallantry Awards provide an important opportunity for us to recognise acts of skill and bravery from those who risk their lives to keep other seafarers safe. We were immensely impressed by the professionalism and excellent judgement of Skipper Jake Bowman-Davies (aged 16 at the time) exhibited and hope this award goes some way towards acknowledging this.”
Sergeant Dan Allanson QGM, an RAF Sea King winchman based on the Falkland Islands, was awarded an ‘Individual Commendation’ by the Society for his courage and determination.
An Ipswich man has been recognised at a national awards ceremony held by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society after his skill and courage saved a life.
Sergeant Allanson was the Winchman on ‘Recue 01’, an RAF Sea King from 1564 Flt, 905 EAW, Mount Pleasant in the Falkland Islands, when it launched on the night of 28 July in response to a call for assistance to locate a man lost overboard from the fishing vessel Venturer.
Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society Chief Executive, Commodore Malcolm Williams, said: “The Society’s annual Skill and Gallantry Awards provide an important opportunity for us to recognise everyday acts of bravery from those who risk their lives to keep seafarers safe. We were immensely impressed by the skill, courage and determination Sergeant Allanson exhibited and hope this award goes some way to recognising it.”
Chris Macdonald of Solent Towage, based in Fawley, Hampshire, was awarded an ‘Individual Commendation’ by the Society for his courage and determination, which Sir Ben Ainslie described as impressive after reading the citation.
A Hampshire man has been recognised at a national awards ceremony held by the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society after his heroism and quick thinking saved the life of a crew member trapped aboard a capsized vessel.
On 30 March 2015, Chris Macdonald, a Solent Towage seaman, leapt into the water with a sledge hammer in order to smash the window of an upturned tug in order to save his trapped colleague.
Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society Chief Executive, Commodore Malcolm Williams, said: “The Society’s annual Skill and Gallantry Awards provide an important opportunity for us to recognise acts of bravery from those who risk their lives to keep other seafarers safe. We were immensely impressed by Mr Macdonald’s quick thinking and determination and hope this award goes some way to acknowledging the courage he displayed in rescuing a fellow mariner.”
Honorary Agent, Superintendent Tracey Stephens, was presented with the Lord Lewin Award at the Charity’s AGM and Skill and Gallantry Awards. The award is presented to the Charity’s volunteers who have given exceptional service.
A woman from Hull has been recognised for her dedication and long-standing service as a volunteer for the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society at its national awards ceremony in London.
Superintendent Tracey Stephens has been an Honorary Agent for the Society in Hull since 2010. In that time she has supported hundreds of fishermen and their dependants. That support ranges from helping them to get grants for essential household items, advice on benefits and debts, to taking funerals and seeking wider charitable assistance.
Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society Chief Executive, Commodore Malcolm Williams, said: “Tracey has provided an invaluable service to the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society over many years. This award is testimony to her enthusiasm and commitment to the Society, which we are proud to be able to recognise. Our charity relies on the selfless dedication of our volunteers and Tracey’s outstanding efforts are deserving of wider public recognition.”
Honorary Agent, John Wason, 80, was presented with the Lord Lewin Award at the Charity’s Skill and Gallantry Awards. The award is presented to the Charity’s volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional service.
A Dorset fisherman has been recognised for his dedication and long-standing service as a volunteer for the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society at its national awards ceremony in London.
Mr John Wason has been an Honorary Agent for the charity for 24 years, looking after a large collecting mine, in Lyme Regis, which generates donations in the region of £400 each year.
Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society Chief Executive, Commodore Malcolm Williams, said: “John has provided an invaluable service to the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society over a great many years. This award is testimony to his enthusiasm and commitment to the Society, which we are proud to be able to recognise. Our charity relies on the selfless dedication of our volunteers and John’s outstanding efforts are deserving of wider public recognition.”
