How could they let this happen?

moulesy replied on 01/09/2016 10:40

Posted on 01/09/2016 10:40

The gold medal awarded posthumously to the coxswain of the Penlee Lifeboat disaster was given by his family to the RNLI but appears to have been stolen from the locked vault in which it was kept.

Now this may be more cock up than conspiracy but how could they let this happen and, more to the point, what sort of person would attempt to steal such an award? It's an utter disgrace. His family must be devastated.

I wish I could post a link but for anyone wishing to know more, just google "penlee lifeboat disaster".

Tinwheeler replied on 01/09/2016 13:01

Posted on 01/09/2016 13:01

I can remember the tragedy quite clearly.

This is a despicable act and the circumstances are a bit strange. According to our local news, the medal awarded to William Trevelyan Richards was held at the RNLI HQ in Poole. They noticed it was missing two months ago but, after failing to uncover anything useful during an internal investigation, called in the Police recently. Apparently the medal is quite rare, and unique insofar as it's the only one awarded posthumously, so it's thought it could have a high monetary value. 

As you said, Moulesy, how could they let it happen? My thoughts are with the families in Newlyn.

 

JillwithaJay replied on 01/09/2016 13:05

Posted on 01/09/2016 13:05

It does seem rather strange.  Hopefully,  further investigation might shed more light on the issue.  Sharing the story might make it too hot to handle.

 photo 78301b06-7bdd-45fe-8ae2-d4d2cae14135_zpssi5htrez.jpg

Medal

Takethedogalong replied on 01/09/2016 15:13

Posted on 01/09/2016 15:13

The depths some despicable thieving so and so's sink to are terrible. The only value it will have to them is the bullion. Priceless in terms of what it means to family and the Newlyn and Mousehole communities. My thoughts towards the thieves are not printable!

redface replied on 01/09/2016 20:10

Posted on 01/09/2016 20:10

Let us hope that the UK auction houses are aware of this and do not let this medal pass through their hands. Other than that it is down to 'collectors' of such awards to play up and dobb the rotter in to the police.

HarleyDave replied on 01/09/2016 20:35

Posted on 01/09/2016 20:35

The vermin that stole it will sell it for scrap or melt it down if they have the intelligence 

Pliers replied on 01/09/2016 22:23

Posted on 01/09/2016 22:23

Let us hope that the UK auction houses are aware of this and do not let this medal pass through their hands. Other than that it is down to 'collectors' of such awards to play up and dobb the rotter in to the police.

Probably way too late, as it went "missing" 2 months before it was reported to the police.

But why would anyone want to buy such a personal item, beyond me.

IanH replied on 02/09/2016 09:12

Posted on 02/09/2016 09:12

The mind boggles at how low some people will go.....

KENNYG replied on 02/09/2016 16:36

Posted on 02/09/2016 16:36

As an x lifeboat person I am sadend by these actions of someone that has never done anything for others. These lifeboat people put there lives on the line every time they go on a call. My harts and thoughts go out to the family's  at Newlyn. 

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