The History and Development of the Albert Medal

The Albert Medal was first instituted by a royal warrant on 7^th March 1866. Named in memory of HRH Prince Albert, it was initially awarded to recognise acts of bravery in saving life at sea. The original medal featured a blue ribbon with two white stripes.

In 1867, a further royal warrant established two classes of the Albert Medal: the first in gold and bronze, and the second in bronze. Both classes were enamelled in blue, and the ribbon for the first class was modified to include four white stripes. The medal itself was made of gold, although earlier examples consisted of gold and bronze, and all were enamelled blue. It was awarded only for the most exceptional acts of bravery, making it a rare honour.

The scope of the medal was expanded in 1877 to include saving life on land. From this point, two distinct medals were issued, each bearing different inscriptions to indicate whether they were awarded for bravery at sea or on land. The land version was enamelled in red and accompanied by a red ribbon.

In 1917, the titles of the medals were changed: the gold "Albert Medal, first class" became the "Albert Medal in gold," while the bronze "Albert Medal, second class" was renamed simply the "Albert Medal."

The Albert Medal in gold was last awarded in 1945. Although decisions in the late 1940s meant that the gold version was no longer conferred and the bronze version was only awarded posthumously, the royal warrant was not amended to reflect these changes. In 1971, the Albert Medal was revoked. As of 21^st October 1971, all living recipients (along with holders of the Edward Medal) were deemed holders of the George Cross. Recipients were required to use the post-nominals “G.C.” and given the option to exchange their insignia; of the 70 eligible recipients, 49 chose to do so.

In 1955, two Old Wrekinians - both doctors and both fathers to young families - displayed remarkable bravery in the face of impending disaster. The first was interrupted by a loud explosion while having breakfast on board a ship, while the second responded instantly to a frantic telephone call at his surgery. Neither paused to assess the risks or deliberate; lives were either already lost or in peril, urgent medical assistance was required, and both men possessed the skills necessary to make a crucial difference.

Each doctor was compelled to descend into darkness, uncertain of what awaited them below. One ventured down the conning tower of a submarine, while the other entered a farmyard well on dry land. Their willingness to confront the unknown, driven solely by the need to help others, was a testament to their extraordinary character.

Nomination and Assessment

Both men were initially nominated by their respective ‘sponsors’ for the George Cross. In Dr Baker’s case, the Home Secretary¹ intervened personally to resolve a dispute between the Department of Agriculture and the Home Office over which department should take responsibility, since the accident occurred on a farm. For Eric Rhodes, the sponsoring authority was the Admiralty.

The ‘Selection Committee for the George Cross, the George Medal and the British Empire Medal’ then requested full accounts of both incidents, including witness statements where available and police reports. After reviewing the evidence, the committee concluded that, although both actions were highly courageous, they did not meet the threshold for the George Cross. Instead, both sponsors were encouraged to advise the Queen to award the Albert Medal as the most appropriate recognition.

Why the Albert Medal Was Awarded

The committee’s decision rested on two main considerations:

• The degree of risk involved and the rescuer’s awareness of that risk, including whether there was a clear possibility of losing his own life and what means of escape or assistance were available in the event of difficulty.
• The requirement for at least two witnesses to the rescue. In Mark Baker’s case, the two witnesses could not see into the well from where they stood. In Eric Rhodes’s case, those who escaped the submarine were injured and disorientated, and could not recall the events with sufficient clarity.

Had these tragedies occurred after 21^st October 1971, when the Albert Medal was discontinued, both men would almost certainly have received the George Cross.

The following accounts illustrate courage and gallantry of the highest calibre, qualities rightly recognised by the award.

To their families and friends they were heroes.

1. Gwilym Lloyd George, 1st Viscount Tenby, TD, PC, [1894–1967]. The younger son of David Lloyd George, he served as Home Secretary from 1954 to 1957.

Jeremy Elsworth
(W. 1970-75)

propatria@wrekincollege.com

Mark BAKER, AM                             Eric RHODES, AM

Sunday Express 28^th April 1957