50 years ago From the pages of THE LIFEBOAT, October 1938 issue A New Medal for Gallantry SINCE the Institution was founded the head of the Sovereign has appeared on the obverse of the medals which it awards for gallantry. The first medals, struck in 1825, had the head of George IV.

Although on his accession to the throne in 1830, William IV became the Institution's Patron, no medal was designed with his head. Nor was any fresh medal designed when Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837.

The original medals with George IVs head were used until 1862. Queen Victoria's head was then substituted for it. In 1903 a new medal was designed, with King Edward VH's head, and in 1912 another medal was designed with the head of King George V.

When King George VI came to the throne the institution was informed that for the future the King's effigy was to appear only on medals awarded personally by His Majesty. It was therefore decided to strike a new medal with the head of Lieut.-Col.

Sir William Hillary, St., the founder of the Institution.

The first of these medals were presented by the Duke of Kent at the annual meeting on 11th May, 1938.

The reverse of the medal designed in 1825 showed three rescuers in a life-boat, one of them lifting a man from the sea, with the legend: "Let not the deep swallow me up." Under the head of the King, on the obverse, was "W. Wyon, Mint." The artist was Mr. William Wyon who was Chief Goldsmith to George II. One of the three rescuers on the reverse is believed to be a portrait of him.

The second medal, struck in 1862, with the head of Queen Victoria, was designed by Mr. L. C.

Wyon. The same reverse was used as on the first medal.

The third medal, with the head of King Edward VII, was designed by Mr. G.W. de Saulles, the medallist of the Royal Mint. On the reverse was a new design, the figure of Hope buckling on the belt of a life-boatman.

The fourth medal, with the head of King George V, was designed by Mr. Bertram MacKennaJ, A.R.A., and on this medal the original design for the reverse by Mr. William Wyon was again used.

The fifth medal, with the head of Sir William Hillary, has the same reverse. This medal has been designed by Mr. Allan G. Wyon, F.R.B.S., a member of the family of Mr. William Wyon, and Mr. L.C.

Wyon, who designed the medals of 1825 and 1862.

Editorial note: This is the current design of medal (bronze, silver and gold). There have been no changes since this design was introduced 50 years ago.

Charity or Piracy? A CINEMA which had helped the Institution by showing one of its films asked in return if the Institution could lend it a flag with the skull and crossbones..