It’s not only lifeboat crew members who are awarded RNLI bravery medals; members of the public can receive them too. This was true for fisherman John Storry, who risked his own life to save three boys from drowning.

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Just before 7pm on 30 May 1924, five boys on a pleasure boat tried to enter Whitby harbour. Suddenly, a huge wave broke, capsizing the boat and tipping the boys in to the sea.

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Local fisherman John Storry saw the incident and jumped fully dressed, into the water to help them. Whilst two of the boys managed to swim to the pier to safety, Storry brought the other three, all unable to swim, to the pier. Here he supported them, despite a sprained arm, until a boat came to pick them up.

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For his great courage and selflessness, the RNLI awarded John William Storry a Silver Medal which the Museum is pleased to have on display.