Imperial Service Medal, G.V.R., Star issue (Fredk. W. Beverstock.) in Elkington, London,...

Imperial Service Medal, G.V.R., Star issue (Fredk. W. Beverstock.) in Elkington, London, case of issue, extremely fine £80-£100 --- Frederick William Beverstock was born in Chatham, Kent in 1857, and was employed as a Skilled Labourer at HM Dockyard, Chatham for 43 years, being awarded the Imperial Service Medal upon his retirement in 1919 (London Gazette 29 July 1919). He died in Chatham on December 1949, age 92 years. The Faversham News of 3 July 1937 recalled an incident from his youth, where he was the subject of a Royal Humane Society rescue: ‘Courageous Act Recalled. Among the great number of people who attended the funeral of the late Mr Richard Batchelor, the well-known water engineer of Chatham was a quiet grey bearded man who stood by the grave. He was Mr Frederick Beverstock of 5 Church Terrace, Luton, Chatham, who was there to pay his last tribute to Mr Batchelor. Sixty five years ago in March 1872, Mr Beverstock then a lad of fourteen, fell 100 feet down a well near the Wagon and Hale, Luton. He managed to swim about in the water, but he was almost exhausted before a passing girl heard his cries for help. Mr Batchelor, who was only sixteen at the time, happened to be working with his father at a nearby farm and was called to the scene. Descending the well at the end of a rope, he reached the struggling boy and brought him safely up to the surface. In recognition of his courage Mr Batchelor was awarded the Bronze Medal and Certificate of the Royal Humane Society for saving life from drowning.’