TRIO

In November 1901

 there was a gale and a shipwreck taking place. 

My Great Grandfather; William Grainger SGM, was one of the Rocket Brigade 

crew 

trying to

 get a line to the Swedish ship; Trio.
The Gale was blowing the line back so in his frustration my Great Grandfather 

tied a rope around his waist and swam out

 to help save life.
He was awarded a gold medal by the town ; a number of others were too, 

but only he was awarded the Sea Gallantry Medal.
Almost unbelievably the whole thing was photographed 

and reproduced thanks to Hartlepool Arts and Museum Service.

The ship had left Port and headed North but dashed back to Hartlepool 
for safety when the weather turned. The weather was so bad that  it could not get into the 
Port and she was breaking up in Hartlepool Bay.
Note the men in flat caps watching.

More onlookers as the ship is at the Sea's mercy.

Masts are breaking up as the Ship is tossed around.

It looks like a puff of white smoke on the left,
 perhaps from the Rocket team? 

WILLIAM GRAINGER . SGM
1864-1946.

Eye witness account, written at a later date.

Page 2.

William and Biddy; his wife.

HIS SEA GALLANTRY MEDAL.