Society for the Protection of Life from Fire, 5th type (1902-83), silver (John Francis...

Society for the Protection of Life from Fire, 5th type (1902-83), silver (John Francis McCarthy, Filleigh. 10-3-34) with integral top riband bar, in John Pinches, London, case of issue, extremely fine £240-£280 --- The Society for the Protection of Life from Fire Minutes Book 17 April 1934 Case Number 16,884: ‘On 9th-10th March 1934, Joyce Davie (17) and Miss Vincent were saved from a fire at Castle Hill, Filleigh, Devon, cause of the fire was unknown. John Francis McCarthy, Painter awarded silver medal and £5.5s, and Police Sergeant Reginald A. Annett awarded bronze medal. John Francis McCarthy was born in Newman Street, Marylebone in 1884. In 1934 he was employed as a Painter/Decorator by Messrs Keeble of London, who were renovating Castle Hill, Filleigh, North Devon, the residence of Earl Fortescue. On the night of 9/10 March 1934, during a fire at Castle Hill, he was involved in the rescue of the two staff members who both subsequently died. On the recommendation of Deputy Chief Constable F. R. Hutchings he was awarded the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire’s silver medal. The presentation of medals took place in the Castle of Exeter Yard by Colonel G. J. Ellicombe, D.L., on 5 June 1934. He died at Paddington General Hospital on 12 November 1958, aged 73. Sold with copied research and copied contemporary newspaper reports.