Heroes and Rebels in the Family Tree--Alfred Mewse
Rescue of 14 people from the steamer SHAMROCK of Dublin. |
Alfred was awarded a silver medal by the Royal National
Lifeboat Institute for his part in the rescue of fourteen people from the
steamer SHAMROCK of Dublin. The story appeared in the Illustrated London News
of 26 Nov 1859:
"When the lifeboat reached the steamer the sea was breaking over the
masthead, but she was providentially able to anchor in a most advantageous
position ahead of her, and although the seas broke over her and repeatedly
filled her, this excellent lifeboat as often, in her bouyancy, clearing herself
of the seas, was at length, with difficulty, enabled to approach the steamer. A
communication was then by ropes established with the wreck and the whole crew
of fourteen were hauled by the lines through the sea to the lifeboat and
brought safely to the shore"
Another account of the rescue was made by W H Kingston in
his book "Our Sailors"
On the 1st of November, the screw steamer
"Shamrock" of Dublin ran on shore on the Holme Sand during a heavy
gale from the SW. As soon as the position of the unfortunate vessel was
discovered, the lifeboat was launched and proceeded under sail to the spot. The
sea was breaking fearfully over the mast head of the steamer, repeatedly
filling the lifeboat. To increase the danger, an expanse of shoal-water lay
close to leeward of the wreck, so that had the lifeboat's cable parted, her
destruction and that of her crew might have followed. Fully aware of the risk
they ran, they persevered as brave men will, in spite of danger to themselves,
and sending lines on board the wreck, the whole crew, not without considerable
difficulty were hauled on board.
The presentation of the lifesaving medals was recorded in
the local newspaper and part of the ceremony is copied below:
Upon the call of the Chairman,
Capt. Joachim, then read the letters he had received from the Secretary of the
Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and which accompanied the silver medals
and votes of thanks on the parchment, for the following brave fellows named
therein: -- Robert Hook, Francis Smith,
Richard Butcher, Thomas Liffen, Alfred Mewse, James Butcher, and William Rose,
all of the Lowestoft Lifeboat, and Nathaniel Colby, coxswain of the Pakefield
Lifeboat.
The Chairman then presented, in the above order, the Society’s silver breast medal, enclosed in a neat Morocco case, and the vote of thanks on parchment in an appropriate rose-wood frame, having done which he proceeded to say—Perhaps it is better that I should explain to you that, the Suffolk Humane Society has, for the last two years, acted in concert with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution; the former finding the boats and gear, and the latter the ways and means of rewarding the men for their gallant and meritorious services. (Hear, hear.) That Society is supported by voluntary contributions throughout the whole of this great country. As a National Society it has for its head our good, gracious, and beloved Queen, and on the list of its contributors are very many of the most distinguished and best of our countrymen. An now, my men (addressing himself to the beachmen), these medals and votes of thanks which are on parchment, are presented to you by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for your very meritorious services in rescuing lives from shipwreck during the late terrible and disastrous storms with which we were visited in the months of October and November last. I think I may say that, you may wear these medals with the same proud feeling with which many others of your distinguished countrymen are now wearing the Victoria Cross. (Loud cheers.) You certainly have by your skill in your boats, your perseverance, your defiance of danger, and your love of humanity, saved many lives from a watery grave, and this you have certainly done at the imminent risk of your own lives. It is unnecessary for me to say more, as I have on similar occasions had the opportunity of addressing you, and which I have always done with the same pleasurable feelings. I would add, however unworthy I may be to do so, that I would ever have you bear in mind that an overruling Providence has put it into your hearts to perform these good and noble deeds. He has given you strength and courage. He has watched over you and mercifully preserved your lives whilst engaged in saving the lives of others. (Cheers.)
1. Samuel Barber Mewse 1827–1894
2. Alfred Mewse 1830–1875
3. Maria Mewse 1832–1840
4. Susanna Mewse 1834–1840
5. William Mewse 1837–1838
6. Isabella Mewse 1839–1912
7. William Robert Mewse 1842–1843
8. George Alfred Mewse 1851–1858
On December 1850, Alfred Mewse married Sarah Ann Catchpole
Ayers 1831-1912 in St. Margaret’s church, Lowestoft. By the age of 21, and most assuredly much
earlier, Alfred had taken up the occupation of fisherman, alongside his father.
Alfred Mewse and Sarah Ann Catchpole Ayers also had eight
children that are known. They were:
1. Alfred George Mewse 1850–1858
2. William Frederick Mewse 1854–1918
3. Henry James Ayers Mewse 1856–1934
4. Eleanor Isabella Mewse 1857–1928
5. Georgiana Mewse 1860–1860
6. Georgeanna Mewse 1862–1957
7. Margaret Alice Mewse 1863–1964
8. Alonzo Shorten Mewse 1870–1959
By 1861. Alfred was the Master of the fishing vessel Rosemary.
Alfred Mewse died of tuberculosis at home in Lowestoft on April 17, 1875.
Genealogy:
Alfred Mewse 1830-1875 was the son of Samuel Barber Mewse 1803-1860 and
his father was Samuel Mewse 1775-1868 and his father was Samuel Mewse 1734-1795
and his father was Samuel Mewse (butcher) 1712-1795 and his father was Thomas
Mewse 1671-1746 and his father was William Mewse 1637-1713 and his brother was
Simon Mewse (butcher) and his son was
1641-1719 Simon Mewse (butcher) 1672-1741 and his son was Simon Mewse 1695-1736
and his daughter was Mary Mewse 1727-1797 and her daughter was Elizabeth Curtis
1756-1831 and her son was John Curtis Adams 1797-1873 and his son was William
Frederick Adams 1848-1907 and his son was George "Pikey" William
Welch-Adams 1867-1940.
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