Lot 922
THE BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION GOLD MEDAL AWARDED TO DR HENRY NAUNTON DAVIES (1827-1899). The British Medical Association Gold Medal, obverse 'For Distinguished Service' within a laurel wreath and legend 'British Medical Association Medal Instituted July 11th 1877' signed by the wreath 'J.S. & A.B. Wyon Sc,' the reverse with a standing figure of 'J.S. & A.B. Wyon' beneath the figure, and impressed to the rim Henry Naughton Davies, on a deep blue neck ribbon with clasp, the clasp impressed 'Wyon' 'Regent St'. Otherwise unmarked. The case containing a printed slip 'British Medical Association Medal. The first gold medal awarded by the British Medical Association. The recipient was Dr. Henry Naunton Davies, in the year 1877, for conspicuous bravery and skill in connection with the Tyewydd Colliery disaster.' the medal 57mm diameter, 4mm deep, approximately 145 grams. Tests as 22ct or higher. In a distressed red leather covered Wyon case of issue. With Dr Davies pocket watch with presentation inscription engraved to the inner cover 'Presented to H. N. Davies L.R.C.P. M.R.C.S. L.M. Esq CYMMER by the inhabitants of Llantrisant, Ystrad, Llanwomo, Lantwit Vardre and Eglwys Ehan parishes as a token of their esteem and appreciation of his Skilful Medical Services Feby 18th 1861 Gold Watch and Guard Value £40:0:0 Purse containing £100:0:0'. The open faced pocket watch with white enamelled dial signed 'J.D. Williams' with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds dial, the sides and reverse with engraved decoration, the dust cover engraved 'J.D. Williams Merthyr Tydvill' the chain fusee movement numbered 3444, the case similarly numbered and hallmarked for 18ct gold, Sheffield. The 46cm watch chain also 18ct, approximately 71g. With a bilingual illuminated presentation text with a photograph to the centre of Dr Davies above panels of text in Welsh and English '... On presenting you with an oil painting of yourself ... accompany the gift with a recorded assurance of our high estimate of your personal character and your long and able services professionally and socially to the public of these valleys ...' framed and glazed, 84 x 107cm. The painting referred to presumably being the work that hung for many years in the Cardiff offices of BMA Cymru Wales and was gifted to the National Museum of Wales in 1972. Mining disasters were all too frequent in the Welsh valleys in the 19th Century, the events at Tynewydd are amongst the most well known. When water flooded into the mine from a nearby abandoned workings 14 men were trapped, amongst them a child of 14 years. Five in a relatively easily accessed chamber in which one died during the rescue, the other nine so inaccessible that their rescue was a considerable undertaking. Water pumps acted too slowly, special rescue divers from London could not reach the trapped men so a passage through 113 feet of coal had to be dug to get to the men safely. Working in shifts at considerable risk to themselves the miners tunneled through whilst others made calculations regarding air pressure, water levels and the likely success of the operation. Gas, flooding and air pressure were a constant and very obvious threat to the lives of all underground, but the rescuers persevered and after ten days the men were brought to the surface five of them escaping with their lives. The long suspense of the disaster and the regular updates in the press, the complexity of the operation and the all too apparent bravery of the men underground made the disaster a national concern. This brought those involved reward and much local and national recognition. Dr Davies, a well respected local doctor took control of the medical requirements on this occasion, apparently spending time underground himself, according to family tradition sitting on a low stool wearing his top hat directing those around him. His calmness and abilities are thought to have played a significant part in the recovery of nine of the 14 men alive and for this he was awarded the first ever BMA Gold medal. Far from being his only significant act in the local area he was instrumental in improving the medical provision at mines across the region and was important in promoting health and welfare in an industry that was all too dangerous.
The Tynewydd Mining Disaster had a significant impact on the world of awards and medals as it was the first occasion on which the Albert Medal was awarded for acts of bravery on land, previously it had only been available for acts of bravery at sea. The disaster so captured the concern of the Queen and Nation that 25 Albert Medals were awarded on this occasion of which 4 were 1st class awards. Only 45 gold and 290 land medals of this type were ever issued. Professional men who took part in the events in 1877 were not included in the award of Albert Medals which must have played a part in prompting the BMA to institute their own award. Dr Henry Naunton Davies being the first ever recipient of the award.
