On 9th December, 1915, the s.s. Florence, of Stockton, whilst bound from London to Newcastle with a cargo of oil stranded on the "Middle Binks." It was a very dark night and blowing a strong gale, with a terrible sea running over the Sands.

The Life-boat was promptly launched to the vessel's assistance, and got as near to her as possible, but owing to the shallow water the Life-boat took the ground, and was unable to get along- side. The seas were sweeping over the steamer, and the crew were shouting for help. The Coxswain, Robert Gross, seeing that it was impossible to do anything with the Life-boat so far from the wreck, called for a volunteer to jump overboard and make his way through the water near enough to get a line to the imperilled men.

No man offered, so the Coxswain himself jumped into the sea with a rope, but he could not get to the wreck.

The crew of the Life-boat then pulled him back, and he then again asked for a volunteer to accompany him on to the sandbank, and pay out a line to him while he made another attempt. This time, one of the crew named G. Martin, inspired by his example, joined him, and with his assistance Coxswain Cross managed to effect communication. He then stood on the Sands, although at times completely smothered with the sea, until the whole of the crew of the vessel, eight in number, had come down the line and been placed in safety in the Life-boat. The splendid behaviour of Robert Cross met with commenda- tion on every side, and the Captain of the vessel described his action as heroic.

In writing about the service he stated that he and his crew could not speak too highly of the bravery and self-sacrifice of the Life-boat's crew and the manner in which the rescue was effected.

In recognition of this gallant work the Committee of Management granted Robert Cross the Silver Medal of the Institution, and G. Martin a special gratuity. They also gave an additional monetary reward to the other members of the crew..