Royal Humane Society: a large bronze medal...

Royal Humane Society: a large bronze medal (successful) to Luke Dennis Barron, Superintendent of Victoria Pier, Portsmouth, reverse with engraved details, 18th August 1855, For Saving 28 Lives, near very fine; together with a Hungarian St John Ambulance medal in bronze, and two shield-shaped Union Flag badges. [4]

Luke Dennis Barron appears to have been a serial rescuer, with various local newspaper reports of him unhesitatingly going to the aid of those in danger of drowning. He also endowed the pier with a lifeboat, at his own expense, in 1856. Sources: The Hampshire Telegraph and Sussex Chronicle, and The Portsmouth Times and Naval Gazette, various issues.